As of Monday, the 23rd March, Boris Johnson announced that all schools will close as a result of the ever-growing Coronavirus pandemic. This decision wasn’t taken lightly however for the health and safety of staff and students, that was the main priority behind the decision.

However, this isn’t the only thing that has been affected by the Coronavirus, with progression exams being postponed until June and most importantly both GCSE and A Level exams have been cancelled as a result of the Coronavirus, leaving students unaware as to how they or even if they will receive some sort of grades to show for their hard work. In a letter sent out to all parents and students, Reigate college Principal Nick Clark said,

‘I appreciate this is an unsettling time, but students must continue in clear, productive routines and remain focused, as the staff will, on achieving the very best possible outcomes.’ He then continued to reiterate that the college is not fully closed despite Government orders. The college will be open for children who are vulnerable or have parents who are Key workers and are unable to look after their children for whatever reason. The college therefore will be open from 10am until 3pm during weekdays and ‘some provision may be available during the Easter holidays for these students.’

Later that week, the Principle Nick Clark reminded students about the Government’s guidelines about social distancing to inform students of the danger of the virus and how to try and prevent catching the disease in order to maintain student health and safety during this unsettling time.