Warm congratulations to everyone on a safe and orderly return to school. It has been an absolute delight for teachers and support staff to welcome our students back into school and to see them enjoying their lessons and renewing friendships.

We would like to congratulate students at The Grange Academy for their resilience, hard work, and commitment towards their learning following the latest period of lockdown.

We now know that the earliest schools will return to in person learning will be the 8th of March.

Future Academies’ highest priority is the wellbeing of its pupils, staff and wider communities.

When the National Lockdown ends on 2 December, Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers will move into Tier 2. This seems a timely moment for an update on the continuing challenges of Covid for schools.