As we reach the end of the half term, it is pleasing to report that both boys and staff have risen to the challenge of working in lockdown. There have been very high levels of progress and participation, both in their remote lessons and beyond the virtual classroom in enrichment activities. The is the first time we have had to use MS Teams at such scale, and that has generally gone very well. My thanks go to parents for their support, which is so important at this time.




I fully recognise that this has been a difficult period for many. Whilst we are all now more accustomed to home-working and its technologies, I know that the novelty of lockdown has long since worn off and that the winter weather has made venturing outside a much less appealing prospect. Nevertheless, I am very proud of what has been achieved and of the resilience being shown across our QE community.

The half-term break presents all of us with the opportunity for some well-earned rest and relaxation. Do take some time to recuperate well away from screens, getting outside where that is possible and safe. The home enrichment pages on eQE are a rich seam of ideas for those in need of inspiration, or those who are running out of Netflix series (other streaming services are available!)

After the break, we wait to hear the Government's plans for March and beyond. Some form of return to School appears likely as the vaccine roll-out continues and community case rates decline. At the point that such information is released, we will take a little time to digest it and consider how best to implement the changes at QE, communicating with all families as soon as we can thereafter.

Mass testing may well still form part of the next phase. In the event that it does, it would be very useful to have the necessary consents already in place: I thank all those who have already filled in the necessary eQE forms. For anyone yet to do so, please take a moment to complete them, clicking the links below. For pupils under 16, parents should fill in the form and should discuss testing with their sons. Pupils aged 16 or over should complete the separate form themselves. I remind you that testing is not compulsory and that the forms include an option to decline consent. Further information about what the testing process would involve is also available below.