Pride and excitement as year 7 students launch new Middlewich High School uniform

Year 7 pupils are the first to wear grey blazers and launched a newly designed uniform.

The 135 youngsters had the school to themselves to get to know their tutors and settle in.

Headteacher Heidi Thurland said: "They looked absolutely stunning. I had an assembly with them and they were alert, attentive and happy.

Jack Eagle and Kaitlyn Ashworth

"We gave them that calmness, being on their own, not having to worry about finding their way round or bumping into anyone.

"They were excited and some were nervous but they were relieved to be back in school.

"It was great to see them relaxing through the day and leaving with a big smile."

Jake Humphreys and Jack Eagle

Pupils will return in phases until all 700 will be back on Tuesday.

Students and staff must wear face masks in communal areas. Year groups will be taught in bubbles and kept in designated areas for safety.

"Families have trusted what we're trying to do," said Ms Thurland. "We have been transparent and open. We spent the summer extensively planning and risk assessing.

"I'm really looking forward to getting students back and having a happy school."

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Jack Eagle, Kaitlyn Ashworth and Jake Humphreys

Parents and staff gave strong positive feedback in a survey about how work and wellbeing was managed during lockdown.

"We had strong curriculum delivered online but it's brilliant to be back in the classroom," said Ms Thurland. "There is nothing that can replace a physical lesson with a teacher. Little things that really make a difference - body language, spotting when a student is struggling, that human touch that you can't have online even with live tutorial sessions."

A team effort, she said, helped the students and staff make great progress through the pandemic.

"We had great support from the community" said Ms Thurland. "The town council supported us and I would like to thank all our staff, governors and parents. As a community, we worked really well together.

"There is a real understanding of the important value of the work we do."

A virtual open evening is being held on September 17 for new students. Families can email admin@middlewichhigh.cheshire.sch.uk for more information.