New principal welcomes students back to Northampton secondary school

All children and teachers at Northampton Academy have been given their own bottle of hand sanitiser as enhanced cleaning procedures are in place
Principal Chris Clyne has taken over from former headteacher Nat Parnell this September.Principal Chris Clyne has taken over from former headteacher Nat Parnell this September.
Principal Chris Clyne has taken over from former headteacher Nat Parnell this September.

Staff and students at Northampton Academy were reunited today for the first time since lockdown began in March, with the new Year 7s starting their time at secondary school.

While all students at the academy have benefited from online learning throughout lockdown, today was the first time many have been able to meet up with staff and begin lessons as normal.

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However, in line with government guidance there are some very specific measures in place at the school to ensure that staff and students are able to teach and learn safely.

Some students re-entered the school gates for the first time today since March.Some students re-entered the school gates for the first time today since March.
Some students re-entered the school gates for the first time today since March.

Those precautions include children being asked to wear face masks in communal areas, keeping year groups in their respective zones and bubbles and there are 'group-specific' toilets to avoid the crossover of students between year groups.

Hand hygiene procedures have also been made easier for pupils and staff as they are both supplied with a bottle of hand sanitiser.

It comes as the school welcomes a new principal this year as former headteacher, Nat Parnell, is promoted to regional director.

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Chris Clyne has taken up his post after three years as vice principal at Northampton Academy.

Social distancing measures are firmly in place, outside and inside the school.Social distancing measures are firmly in place, outside and inside the school.
Social distancing measures are firmly in place, outside and inside the school.

Chris said: “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome our students back to school today. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an excellent team of staff who have given their all over the lockdown period and over the summer to make sure we’re in a great position for the start of the new year.

“Our number one priority is making sure that everyone in the school is able to learn and work safely whilst still enjoying their experience as things gradually start getting back to normal. I know our students are very excited to be returning after not seeing their teachers and friends for such a long time and everyone is keen to make sure that we make the most of the academic year ahead.

“Beginning secondary school is always a nervous time for students – never more so than this year – so we’re doing everything we can to make sure every new pupil feels welcome and to help them get into a routine at Northampton Academy.”

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