The Petersfield School says it has been “overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community” after more than 150 people volunteered to help with mass Covid testing of pupils.
Each of the school’s 1,400 students will have three tests by the volunteers working out of the school’s original gym attached to the main building.
The last of the lateral flow (saliva) tests were administered on March 17.
The first tests were carried out on March 5, and once pupils have had the three tests at the school, it is hoped they will continue testing themselves at home.
Volunteer Nicky Wadey said: “Both my children came to TPS and it was great for them, so I thought I would come and help if I could.
“I have really enjoyed it!”
Another volunteer, Colin Sayer, said: “I teach Taekwondo and know quite a few of the students through that.
“And I wanted to help them to get back into school as quickly as possible.
“They have all been very calm and sensible about the testing and have just got on with it.”
Associate school principal Aidan Timmons added: “We are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers – both from the community and also TPS staff volunteers.
“This was a logistical challenge which has taken a great deal of planning and preparation, but our priority is to ensure our school remains Covid-safe so that we can move forward with supporting our students’ learning.”
In fututre, parents of children at school or nursery are encouraged to test themselves and family members, including school age children, at home.
Home tests can be picked up from Havant Civic Centre car park, 1pm to 8pm, and Worthy Lane car park in Winchester, 1.30pm to 7pm.
Alternatively, tests can be delivered to their home via the government website at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests