Malcolm Sargent pupils to attend Casterton College, Stamford Welland Academy and Stamford School to free up classroom space

Social distancing means many primary schools across the UK are struggling to find the space to accommodate pupils as they return to the classroom.

Malcolm Sargent in Stamford - the town's largest primary school - has around 400 pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 who are eligible to return to school but the school's campus is not large enough to safely accommodate them all.

But principal Tristan Revell has now come up with a solution after reaching out to the town's three secondary schools.

From Thursday (June 11) and next week, 45 Year 6 pupils will attend Casterton College, 12 will go to Stamford Welland Academy and 12 will be taught at Stamford School.

This will not only allow the youngsters to get a taste of secondary school life, but will mean more pupils from other year groups can return to Malcolm Sargent before the end of term, in line with the Government's wishes.

Mr Revell said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support that has been offered by our local secondary schools. This is a unique and invaluable opportunity for these Year 6 pupils which will help them enormously at the end of an unprecedented academic year.

“It is an important milestone in our 'reset' plan to expand our current provision from 250 pupils on site currently, to offer all remaining pupils time in school before the end of term.

“We are contending with the twin pressures of physical and staff space as we have to accommodate children in small 'pod' groups. This assistance will help alleviate the former of these pressures on us, in turn also allowing further pupils to return to school.

"This partnership shows the strength of the Stamford community in coming together to meet this national challenge.“

A dozen pupils have already had their first day at Stamford School on Thursday and will return each day to learn with their own teacher. Those allocated to Stamford Welland Academy will start on Friday (June 12) with those at Casterton College starting on Monday (June 15).

Nick Gallop, head of Stamford School, said: “With maximum class sizes set at half their normal capacity, primary schools all over the country are facing enormous challenges in accommodating pupils in line with government guidance. Schools not only need twice the normal number of classrooms and staff, but they are facing real issues in be able to provide enough outdoor space for all of these groups to play and exercise safely.

"I am delighted that we have been able to accommodate this group of pupils from Malcolm Sargent, and we are keen to offer any help and support we can to help all pupils in Stamford to get back to school as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Stamford Endowed Schools have already welcomed back Nursery, Reception, Year 1, and Year 6 pupils, and are preparing to open for Years 10 and 12 from Monday next week.