PETER Symonds has marked the end of its "challenging" first half-term return to in-person teaching.

There are now one-way systems around the college campus, more frequent cleaning is carried out and two marquees have been added to provide additional space.

Students wear masks in corridors and communal areas, and carry out hand washing and sanitising.

Principal Sara Russell said: "It's been a challenging half term but as always I have been impressed by the resilience of our students and the dedication of our teachers, who have delivered an incredible response in adapting to the new restrictions."

All classrooms have been equipped with webcams to enable teachers to livestream lessons.

The timetable has been adapted to provide fewer but longer slots to reduce the number of students on site.

"Despite the many changes in place I'm very pleased we have continued to provide student workshops and run a full enrichment programme," added Ms Russell.

"Our student support services are also continuing to operate, including The Hub, which helps students manage their wellbeing and mental health and is particularly important during challenging times such as these.

"I am extremely pleased that all teaching and learning is face to face on college site, as whilst we ensured effective live online learning took place during lockdown, and are fully prepared if there is a need to return to online delivery, there really is no substitute for students being in classrooms with their teachers and peers.

"Attendance has been very high and our students and teachers are enjoying being back on site and back in the classroom."