Dear members,

COVID-19 tests for pupils returning home to Hong Kong

We are writing to update on our explanation last week of the rules around the return home of Hong Kong pupils for the Christmas holidays, which you can find here.

COVID-19 tests will be offered at Heathrow airport from today (Tuesday, October 20) to passengers going to Hong Kong on direct flights from Heathrow. These tests are accepted by the Hong Kong Government. Details can be found here. 

Please note the following:

• The test is only acceptable for direct flights from Heathrow
• We do not yet know if demand for the test will overwhelm the system
• The service is not a 24 hour one so passengers will need to plan carefully around their arrival time at the airport and their scheduled flight departure time

• All tests must be pre-booked - please do not arrive for a test without pre-booking.

We will update you as further information arrives.

Wales update

Many schools are enquiring about the impact of the situation in Wales, and we have been pleased to receive an update from our partner association WISC. The Welsh Government has made it clear to WISC that only primary school pupils and Year 7 and 8 pupils in senior schools, special school pupils and those taking exams will be allowed back to school on November 02, but has yet to clarify about boarding pupils. 

Further information about the impact on Welsh pupils and staff who attend schools in England is included in the guidance:

I live in Wales but travel daily to England to attend school, college or university. Can I still go there? Yes. If you attend school, college or university in England, which is not covered by the firebreak, it is a reasonable excuse to travel there and will be allowed during the firebreak period, if you are unable to access your education online for this period.

This also applies to staff who travel to England to teach at schools, colleges or universities there and who are not able to work from home during the firebreak.

If you would like further advice from the BSA, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk.

Best wishes 

Robin Fletcher
Chief Executive, BSA and BSA Group