Asymptomatic Testing

Introduction

Around 1 in 3 people with the Covid-19 virus have no symptoms and could therefore be spreading it unwittingly.

Asymptomatic testing is about identifying these cases and taking them ‘out of circulation’ to reduce transmission. These tests will use

lateral flow devices (LFD), which involve self-administered swabs and give a result in 30 minutes. In order to carry out this testing programme, the School needs families’ consent. Anyone who has not yet done so is requested to complete the necessary forms, clicking the links below. For pupils under 16, parents should fill in the form and should discuss testing with their sons. Pupils aged 16 or over should complete the separate form themselves. Asymptomatic testing is not compulsory, and the forms include an option to decline consent, but the Government and the School strongly encourages participation in the programme, since higher levels of testing will help limit case numbers within the School and reduce disruption.

— Pupils aged under 16 (to be completed by parents) — Pupils aged 16 or over (to be completed by pupils)

In-School

Each participating pupil will have three tests done in School over the 11-day period starting on Monday 8th March (See Appendix 4 for our testing timetable). Once pupils have returned their first negative result they will resume face-to-face learning – this will be on Thursday 11th March, after all year groups have had their first test; second and third tests will be undertaken in normal school hours between Thursday 11th and Thursday 18th March, thus ensuring that boys are tested every 3-5 days. If your son tests negative for Covid-19, he will continue lessons as normal. If he tests positive, he will need to isolate at home and will access lessons remotely using MS Teams.

After the three in-School tests, pupils will be provided with home-testing kits via the School to use at home twice each week. The results should be

reported to NHS Test & Trace and to the School each time. Pupils aged 12 and over should self-test and report the result; parents may wish to supervise their sons when they are performing the test and reporting the result. The Government recommends that those aged 11 are tested by an adult. If pupils return a positive result at any stage they will need to isolate for ten days (while continuing to access their lessons online); staff will also engage in twice-weekly home testing in the same way. The Government has confirmed that close contacts of positive cases will need to self-isolate at home for ten full days from their last contact with the affected person.

At home

Further information about asymptomatic testing may be found in our FAQs, nos. 1-5.