SCHOOLS across Worcester and the wider county welcomed back pupils yesterday as the first phase of lockdown loosening began.

It was the first time in months that many pupils had been able to walk through the school gates, see their friends, and return to the classroom, after weeks of home-schooling.

Bryony Baynes, Kempsey Primary School headteacher, said she was delighted to have pupils back in school.

“It is so lovely to see everyone back, and all their smiley faces," she said.

“There will need to be catch up, but children are incredibly resilient and I think with some routine, hard work on our part and the children’s part I think we will get there.”

Parents of youngsters said there was some apprehension, but overall were glad home-schooling was over.

Stacey Roberts said: “I’m a little bit sad, it has been nice to spend time with them over lockdown, which we wouldn’t usually, but yes it is good for them to be back.”

Oliver Rimely “Home-schooling has been difficult, as I’m working from home, so was juggling working with schooling.

“They have definitely missed school, their friends more than anything. The school has been great in these difficult times.”

Neil Morris, headteacher of Christopher Whitehead Language College, said all their classes were now back in.

“We are delighted to see the students back,” he said.

“We have tested 1,200 students in the last two days, huge thanks to the staff who have stepped forward. It has been a huge team effort.

“Children are laughing and enjoying - what school should be after this very weird experience.”

“I don’t have any worries they will catch up. We have got recovery plans in place. We just need to reset at the moment, rebuild their confidence, and I think they will surprise a number of people.”

RGS Worcester’s headteacher John Pitt added: "This has been an extraordinary event for the school, and we would like to thank the staff and parent volunteers who have worked so hard to ensure the pupils have been tested.

"This pandemic has been so challenging for everyone, but it has proved the great strength of the whole RGS community."