Education Secretary thanks Hammersmith school for keeping lessons going

The Education Secretary visited a school on the first day back after the holidays to thank staff and students for keeping lessons going, writes Sharin Hussain.

Nadhim Zahawi was invited to visit Hammersmith Academy on Thursday of last week, where he was given a tour by the head teacher, Gary Kynaston, and spoke to a number of students about being back in the classroom.

The academy, in Cathnor Road, had arranged for on-site testing on January 5 to make sure that students and staff were to come back into the classroom.

Mr Zahawi said: “It is thanks to them and thousands of other school communities across the country that millions of children have been able to return to the classroom this week.

“After on-site testing took place, pupils were back in the classroom learning and having fun with their friends and teachers. This is what education is all about.

“I would encourage all secondary school children and those working in education to continue testing regularly once they return, and to take up whichever dose of the vaccine is available to them, to help keep this virus out of the classroom.

“We continue to prioritise face-to-face learning, because being in the classroom is the very best place for children’s education and well-being.”

Pictured: Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi with head teacher Gary Kynaston at Hammersmith