Guidance on Lateral Flow Testing and Self-Isolation
Suspension of confirmatory PCR testing following a positive LFD test
The Government recently announced that confirmatory PCR tests will now not be needed in the case of a positive LFD test. The guidance is as follows:
Confirmatory PCR tests following a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result are to be temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11 January. This will mean that anyone who receives a positive LFD test result will be required to self-isolate immediately and will not be required to take a confirmatory PCR test.
All results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace.
Isolation period for positive cases
The 10-day isolation period can be reduced if you get 2 consecutive negative LFD tests on day 6 and day 7. If this is the case, you may return to work or school on the same day – day 7 – which is the date of your second negative test, provided you feel well enough and do not have a temperature. The guidance on this issue is as follows:
Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation. The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart. This also applies to children under 5, with LFD testing at parental or guardian discretion. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 7.
Face coverings
Just to remind you that we are continuing to insist that students wear a face covering in all settings, unless they are medically exempt and are wearing a lanyard which indicates exemption.
Lateral Flow Tests
Please continue to test twice a week using a lateral flow test and report all results to NHS Test and Trace and to school. We are expecting a delivery of lateral flow tests in the next few days, but we do have some spares in school. If your child is running low, please ask them to collect a test kit from Student Services.
Heckmondwike Grammar School is ranked the 10th best in the North of England
Heckmondwike Grammar School has achieved the prestigious accolade of this top ranking in the Sunday Times Parent Power survey for 2022. Peter Roberts, Headteacher said, “the ranking reflected the outstanding work of students, staff and parents over a number of years and was just reward for the teamwork exhibited. “We have been ranked the number 1 secondary school in Kirklees and Calderdale for a few years and it is particularly gratifying to also be recognised wider afield.”
“During a very difficult year we have all pulled together to provide the best possible education to enable our students to fulfil their potential. 2021 saw record school results at both GCSE and A level, which is real testament to the students’ hard work and resilience. We had another excellent year for students progressing to university, with record numbers attending the top Russell group and Oxford and Cambridge.”
Mr Roberts went on to recognise the contribution to this success, of exclusively live remote lessons during the national lockdown phases, which maintained the very high standards of teaching and learning. He also commented the wearing of facemasks and high uptake of the vaccine had kept infection rates much lower than national and regional comparative data, so keeping students and staff in school.
“Such accolades are very pleasing and we are delighted to be recognised, but they only come about because of the week in week out hard work from students and staff and I salute my colleagues and students they are an exceptional team.”
Jane Dixon Chair of Governors, added her congratulations to all parties involved, “It has been an incredibly difficult year for everybody, but I continue to be amazed and delighted by the resilience and hard work of students and staff. During periods of much adversity the school has maintained an excellent spirit and stopped at nothing to ensure the students achieve their full potential, this accolade is very well deserved.”
HGS will once again be supporting Children in Need. For Years 7-11 this will be a non-uniform day and Sixth formers will be wearing pyjamas. All students who take part are asked to pay £1.00 for the privilege.
There will also be a bake sale in the middle yard at break time, all goodies for sale have been donated by Mellor’s Catering Services.
Students are asked to bring cash or donate via the link below