WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has thanked school staff and students for "going above and beyond" during the recent pandemic

The school year officially finishes this week, but the vast majority of the county’s schools have remained open in some capacity to educate the children of critical workers and the most vulnerable in the county.

Recent figures show that nearly 18% of the total school population have been attending school since the wider re-opening.

Catherine Driscoll, Chief Executive at Worcestershire Children First, said: “I’d like to thank our staff and our students for their fantastic and unwavering dedication during this pandemic.

"Everyone involved in the return to school worked so hard to make it all come together. This pandemic whilst it has been challenging has given us some really rewarding moments too.”

Councillor Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Skills, said: “As we approach the end of this academic year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the headteachers, college leaders and early years leaders for their continued hard work, support and dedication to the children and young people of Worcestershire.

"I have seen first-hand from my recent visits to schools the work and preparation that has gone in to help make the return to school as smooth as possible and have heard positive feedback from staff and students about their experiences and how they have adapted to the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Primary schools were officially re-opened to students in reception and years 1 and 6, on Monday 1st June.

Secondary schools have been open across the county for years 10 and 12 from Monday 15th June.

All pupils are expected to be able to return to school in September.