SINCE the return of pupils to schools across England on Monday, Basingstoke school communities have been hard at work settling their students back in.

From regular testing, to new health and safety measures, school staff have been working tirelessly to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

On Sunday, the Gazette shared how some schools were preparing for their reopening, and a first look at what people could expect from school buildings.

Since then, other schools in the area have reached out to share their stories of the first week back, and how they've welcomed pupils on their return.

The Costello School on Crossborough Hill celebrated the return of all students with banners, balloons and music, and all staff were out to welcome the students in from 8am on Monday.

Randall Jull, headteacher, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have all the students back and while our home learning provision as part of The Bohunt Education Trust has been excellent, nothing replicates having children in front of you and the joy of seeing them grow and learn

"My staff have been truly outstanding, as have our parents and the wider community, and we hope to now bring the consistency and wonderful experience the children need at this challenging time."

Meanwhile, at Cranbourne school on Wessex Close, testing is a priority to ensure they maintain their "spotless record" of no bubble closures in the Autumn term.

Miss Conlon, deputy headteacher and safeguarding lead, added: “I think we are all just glad to be back together. After students have been taught to do testing and had their three on - site tests, it will be business as usual.

"Everything will return to pre-Christmas normality then. Cranbourne students have worn masks in classrooms throughout the pandemic, and have been 100 per cent sensible and mature.

"It’s a been a great team effort to keep ourselves and the community safe.”

Pupils are also pleased to be back, despite changes to the way their schools will look and operate.

Emily Belcher, a Year 11 student at Cranbourne, said: “Generally, I think that it is effective for both staff and students to get tested every once in a while to ensure the safety of our community as a school. The tests aren’t too complicated and follow a few steps that are not too difficult to follow. Ensuring that we are able to stay safe and eventually re-open is key to helping the students at Cranbourne recover from the effects of lockdown, in order to get back into lessons in order to continue learning.

"Coming back into school may crucial for most kids who struggle to learn in a home environment, finding a lot easier to learn in an interactive classroom setting rather than sat dazed in front of a computer screen, completely lost or unmotivated.

"Being able to help those kids out by getting them back into the school premises will benefit them massively.”

Jade Smith, also in Year 11, added: "It’s useful for us to take part in the Covid tests to protect us as a school community. They don’t hurt, they just tickle a bit.”