Castle Rock School students have been praised for their 'strong sense of citizenship' after returning to the classroom last week.

Head teacher Duncan Baldwin made the comments in a letter to parents on Friday in an update on pupils' testing at the Meadow Lane school.

He added that the third and final tests would be carried out this week in a 'seamless' return.

Mr Baldwin also said the students' 'mature and dignified' manner should make people 'proud'.

He wrote: "As we approach the end of the first week back in school, I would like to extend my thanks to you all for your help in making the transition back to the classroom as seamless as possible.

"Whilst we appreciate that, for the vast majority of our young people, the return to school has signified a very welcome step towards 'normality', for others it has been a time of some anxiety.

"I am sure your children will share our great sense of relief that the first week has now come to a close.

"You will be aware that as part of the transition we have been carrying out the Covid-19 testing programme.

"All students with consent have now had at least one of their three on-site tests and we will complete the second test round on Monday next week.

"I'm delighted with the way our students have responded to this.

"They have been very sensible and we have received fantastic feedback from the Covid testing team and our own supervisory staff.

"Without exception, every student has conducted themselves in a mature and dignified manner which has made us, and should make you as parents and carers, very proud.

"This is also true regarding wearing face coverings in lessons and the other measures we have in place in school.

"Once again students have shown a strong sense of citizenship as they play their part in an effort to reduce infections.

"As the third and final on-site test takes place next week, your child will be issued with a supply of home testing kits to enable tests to be carried out twice weekly at home until further notice.

"Full instructions will be supplied with the kits including details of how to register the test results with NHS Test and Trace."