The week began on a high note for BGS students who were reunited with friends and teachers as they returned to school after lockdown.

It was the first time in months that many students in the Junior and Senior Schools had been able to walk through the school gates, see their friends, and return to the classroom, after weeks of remote learning.

Our students, like many, have shown true resilience and commitment towards their education throughout this lockdown, we are so immensely proud of them and their fantastic efforts.

Mrs Gibson (Headmistress) reflected: “Finally, the classrooms are filled with excited chatter again and the sports pitches echo with screams of delight as our students reengage with each other, their learning and their co-curricular pursuits.

“There were so many beaming faces as the students streamed back through our gates, and although there may have been nerves about settling into new routines, I could sense the overwhelming feeling was of happiness at getting back to a bit of normality. I am sure that all of our students are tired after their first week back in the classroom, but I hope their feelings of achievement and reconnection will override this. I hope you all have a restful weekend, so you are ready to delve into everything we have to offer over these final few weeks of term.”

Mrs Howe (Head of Junior School), added: “It has been wonderful to welcome the children back to the Junior School.  I was so impressed by the way they approached the remote learning programme and the skills they developed while at home, but nothing beats being back in the classroom with their friends and their teachers. I have been talking to the girls and seeing their friends and teachers has also been high on their list of positives, along with school lunches and wearing their uniform!  We were particularly pleased to be back for our sensational STEM week so that the whole Junior School community was able to join together and experience all the many different activities to promote STEM subjects in the Junior School.”

Finally, we would like to thank our incredible nurses and trained support staff, who are providing COVID Lateral Flow Testing for all students. Also, a big thank you to the Estates and Grounds Staff, who are ensuring the site is following stringent government guidelines and is safe and nurturing for staff and students.

This pandemic has been so challenging for everyone, but it has proved the great strength of the whole BGS community.