International students returning to King William's for September start

Public Health gives private school the green light

International students are to return to King William's College for when classes restart in September.

The private school has been given the go-ahead by Public Health to allow 39 pupils from around the world back onto the Island, and into their boarding houses.

Strict guidelines are in place, including 14 days quarantine and government-approved hygiene measures.

"We're proud that our Island is Covid-free, and we don't want to endanger that"

Deputy Head of Pastoral, Stuart Corrie, explained to Lewis Foster how they will ensure the students are brought to the Isle of Man safely:

When lockdown began in March, the school’s classes were undertaken virtually with pupils from reception to upper sixth (year 13) continuing their studies online.

KWC then re-opened its doors on 22 June, following government’s announcement that social distancing was no longer a requirement within the Manx community.

Principal Joss Buchanan said: ‘although we welcomed back a number of pupils for the final two weeks of last term, we are delighted to now be in a position where we can fully return to normal school life and have the entire college community back together on campus.'

‘The safety of the children and staff remains our paramount concern and we are implementing all government-advised protective measures against Covid-19, and meeting every hygiene requirement to reduce any possible risk of infection.'

‘We are also aware countries around the world remain at very different points of the Covid-19 pandemic, and working alongside Isle of Man Public Health, have put in place stringent quarantine arrangements as all of our returning boarders will need to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon arrival in the Island.’

Director of Public Health, Henrietta Ewart, said: ‘over the last few months we have been working closely with King William’s College to ensure robust arrangements are in place so that children arriving in school from other jurisdictions can self-isolate.'

'The school has carried out risk assessments of all its boarding houses and facilities which we have followed up with onsite inspections.'

‘Everybody is approaching this task with the safety of pupils and staff as their absolute priority and we are happy the college is fulfilling all its requirements.’