Agenda item

To consider the Public report of the Headmaster

The Board received the Head’s report.

Governors heard that the school had experienced its first Covid-19 outbreak: 44 pupils had tested positive for Covid-19 since mid-September, of which 37 were in a single year group (Y11). Some pupils were self-isolating awaiting the outcome of a PCR test. Contingency plans have been implemented, and communication to parents emphasises the importance of lateral flow tests, especially in respect of siblings of affected pupils.

Governors heard that, nationally, there was significant hostility around vaccinations of 12-15 year olds potentially taking place on school premises; the Headmaster had thus far only be contacted by one parent on this matter. In response to a question on the position around vaccinating 12-15 year olds, Governors heard that the school was planning to facilitate the Government’s vaccination programme (making an area available, and letting parents know that an area is available), but the school would not be expecting, forcing or encouraging those vaccinations to take place; this was a matter for parents and children.   

Governors formally thanked the Headmaster and the staff for all the hard work involved in achieving excellent exam grades for the school.

A Governor thanked the Headmaster for the information provided on diversity and equality at the school, and asked whether any thought had been given to how the school might enhance its diversity of intake and whether that could be incorporated into other areas of work in which the school is involved, including targeting particular communities. Governors heard that a meeting had recently taken place with a staff member who was leading on the issue of diversity, during which it was noted how much more diverse the school was compared to its profile a decade or so ago - a development that had occurred naturally alongside some bursaries awarded to students of various backgrounds.  Governors heard that the Headmaster was involved in a working group of the Independent Schools Council’s working group on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). A recently produced document linked to EDI and governance would be circulated to Governors before the next full board meeting.

RESOLVED, that Governors approve the Covid-19 risk assessment enclosed as Appendix 1, note Appendix 2 (School Visits and Trips 2020-21), and note the Headmaster’s report.