The safety, health and well-being of our pupils and staff remain our top priority. We are being guided by the UK Government and other organisations in our decision making. While the evolving situation remains complicated, we will continue to provide remote learning for those that need this, such as our overseas or UK boarders.
As part of our Plymouth College Risk Assessment we are carefully planning for the return of our boarders when we consider it safe for them to do so. We are working closely with the BSA (Boarding Schools Association) adhering to their Covid-Safe Charter and Safe Schools (www.safeschoolsuk.org) for the safe return and care of our boarding pupils.
The Charter outlines the steps we are taking to best care for our boarders and reassure their families. Further advice will follow regarding boarding provision in the coming months. We will aim to support pupils who need to quarantine on site, if this continues to be the guidance from the government moving forward. The school will remain open for half terms for pupils who are unable to return home, are unable to then return to the UK or would require additional periods in quarantine upon return to the UK.
We anticipate there may be a need to bring international pupils back slightly earlier than usual at the start of the Autumn Term if quarantine measures continue. We will provide guidance and information as soon as possible. If quarantine is required we will arrange this in our boarding houses with the boarders cared for by fully qualified members of Plymouth College Staff. We will arrange for Plymouth College staff to collect pupils from airports to minimise contact with the public and explain the arrangements upon arrival at school. The well-being of the pupils in quarantine will be supported alongside academic structure and an induction programme. For those who can’t return in September we are planning for start dates in November and January. Remote learning will continue to be provided if required.
This information sets out our current thinking and will be updated regularly as advice is given and our policies are developed. We welcome any feedback and will continue to work with parents, Guardians and Agents to allay any of your concerns.
