This week saw a phased return of Ely College pupils to the school site with lots of smiling faces.

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Meeting Mr Mawby having a great first day at their new school. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Meeting Mr Mawby having a great first day at their new school. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

The developing coronavirus situation has presented a number of challenges but after a full term of remote learning and months of preparing, staff say “it was a joy to welcome students back and celebrate the start of term”.

New principal Simon Warburton addressed students and parents on Friday (September 4) with a review of how the first few days had gone: “As the first couple of days draw to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to say how great it has been to see college, once again, full with students and staff.

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

“Our data indicates that student attendance today was in excess of 98 per cent which is a fantastic figure to realise on the first full day of term.

“Thank you for your support and patience with our plans. After many months of absence seeing children back in classrooms and engaging with teachers and their friends is heart-warming.”

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

The leadership at Ely College and Bishop Laney had been in constant communication with parents in the lead up to reopening, reassuring all on the protective measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission.

As well as increased hygiene and sanitation stations, children remained in their consistent year groups or ‘bubbles’ and measures, including staggered break and exit times, kept groups apart.

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Lunchtime saw Year 7s in their bubble classes enjoying the dining facilities and getting to know each other. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Lunchtime saw Year 7s in their bubble classes enjoying the dining facilities and getting to know each other. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

Mr Warburton added: “Clearly the new arrangements for staff and students have presented a challenge unlike anything we have experienced before.

“But seeing so many students come into college shows the confidence that parents have in our commitment to support their children. We are thrilled to have the students back”.

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Pupils being introduced to the house system and ready to earn loads of PLEDGES points. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Pupils being introduced to the house system and ready to earn loads of PLEDGES points. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Pupils looking smart in their house ties. Picture: ELY COLLEGEIt was smiles all round as Ely College welcomed pupils for the first day of the new academic year. Pupils looking smart in their house ties. Picture: ELY COLLEGE (Image: Archant)