Students across York and North Yorkshire head back to school
All age groups will be back in the classroom today, as part of the UK's roadmap out of lockdown.
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
All pupils in all year groups will be allowed to go back into the classroom today, although some schools are doing phased returns.
Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities are also allowed to resume today.
Selby College offer A-Level and vocational courses to those aged 16 to 18, and are one of many organisations across the UK heading back today.
Principal of Selby College Phil Sayles told Greatest Hits Radio York: "I think the students are very good to get back from online learning. They've been doing very well, but there's nothing like being in a classroom with your friends and tutors.
"We know that the students are really keen to get back, but also our colleagues. They've done a great job with digital learning, but they really want to be able to work with the students in the classroom.
"I think when you move out of lockdown to resuming at school or college there's always a sense of trepidation, but we did it really well in the Autumn when we came back then - and I think we will this time.
"I think everyone is hoping that this is the last lockdown, and it's very encouraging to see that the case rates in the areas where our students come from are getting low now - well under a hundred in some cases".
Selby College also has a lateral flow test centre set up to help regularly test staff and students for Covid-19.
The Mount School in York have also been welcoming back pupils, with their junior and senior states staggering arrival times slightly. Speaking outside the school this morning, Principal Adrienne Richmond said: "It's a really important moment, and one we've anticipated for a long time
"Just getting people back into school is so important. There's a lot of excitement and anxiousness, and that's been one of the challenges of leading the school through this - the balancing act of keeping people happy and feeling safe.
"I'm keen to get back the frivolity and fun that we had before. We've got lateral flow testing set up in the Sports Hall, and staff have been having lateral flow tests since January".
Sarah Day is one of the parents taking their children back to The Mount School today: "I'm really pleased and feeling quite hopeful. I think children going back to school signifies the whole nation getting out of lockdown really.
"Full respect to all the teachers, who have done an absolutely amazing job. I think it's given us all a newfound respect for how much of a challenge it is for them to teach little ones!"
"Our school's been absolutely phenomenal with the home education provided, but for the children to be able to look forward optimistically to be at school for the rest of the year is brilliant".
Sarah's eldest daughter Lilia says: "I think it's been really helpful to carry on with our studies, but at the same time I've really missed my friends and it's been quite lonely.
"I've still been staying connected with my friends, but I'm so excited to see them. The teachers have been so helpful on Zoom. I'm definitely looking forward to carrying on with my drama, as I love the performing arts".
The youngest daughter Hope says: "I'm excited to actually not be on Zoom and it's exciting because mums should be mums and teachers should be teachers!"