We are now over halfway to the half-term break and, notwithstanding the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in, I am happy to be able to say that QE’s Spring Term is progressing well. It has been lovely, and very sustaining for my colleagues, to hear positive feedback from a number of parents and boys over recent weeks.

There is now a great deal of activity, both virtual and physical, across various aspects of School life. In this QE Update, you can read our latest reports about pastoral care, enrichment and the rapid progress of our Music School construction project. With regard to the latter, I should add that the next phase of the improvement works in the Fern building are being brought forward so that we can make full use of the School site being quiet.

May I remind parents and older boys that we are collecting consents for pupils to be included in the mass Covid-19 testing programme that is likely to form part of those plans for our return, whenever that may be. The consent forms for boys aged under 16 should be completed by parents; for those aged 16 or over they should be filled in by the pupils. The higher the participation, the more effective this programme will be in securing a safe return. I would note, though, that, since the last QE Update, the Government's advice has changed in two ways. Firstly, daily testing for close contacts, as an alternative to self-isolation, has been put on hold whilst further studies are conducted: we wait to see if this is re-instituted or not. Secondly, the Government has announced that, soon, a positive test result with a lateral flow test (the type we would be doing in School) will no longer require a confirmatory PCR (laboratory-based) test, with isolation and contact-tracing instead being implemented straightaway. Suffice it to say that our in-School testing programme will continue to take full account of the guidance, including any updates.

Similarly, we will continue to follow closely the situation regarding GCSE and A-levels. A consultation has now been published on the principles for how grades may be determined this year. Our best advice presently is for all in our public examination year groups to press ahead with their courses and maintain their focus. We navigated last year’s amended system well and achieved excellent outcomes as a School; there is nothing to suggest that we will not follow a similar, successful course this year.

We have learned today from the Prime Minister’s statement that the earliest possible date for a return to School is now 8th March, with remote learning to continue until at least that time. There is, then, a long way to go. In the meantime, all my colleagues are working hard to keep spirits up. For the boys, while not neglecting rest and relaxation – perhaps some of you took some time out to savour this week’s snowy scenes, for example – it is important that all maintain the great work being done, keeping up productivity and ensuring that everyone remains fully engaged in all their QE activities.

My best wishes

Mr Neil Enright
Headmaster