Chief Executive Officer Dr Alan Lee and Chair of Trustees Ilona Bond have thanked staff, students and their families in an end-of-term letter.

They wrote: “Throughout the year, staff have risen to meet challenge after challenge, from successfully delivering online curricula, to rolling out lateral flow tests, to teaching in bubbles.

“As national guidelines have changed time and again, these enormously difficult tasks have been completed with calmness, grace and professionalism.

“The understanding, support and encouragement of parents/carers has been incredible. There were many times, such as during those fearful days of January when transmission rates soared, where a grateful email, kind word or knowing smile made all the difference.”

Dr Lee and Mrs Bond also said students had been inspirational and offered much hope going forward.

They added: “Faced with unprecedented disruption to their education, they have shown remarkable resilience, determination and commitment to be the best they can be.

“These young people offer such potential and hope for our future.”

To everyone in the BEST family, we wish you a well-deserved summer break.

Read the thank you letter in full below.