NHS Vaccination Pop-up at Excelsior Academy for GCSE Results Day
As students came in to collect their GCSE results, the NHS provided a pop-up vaccination centre, enabling students aged 16-17 to receive their Covid vaccine. This followed a successful day on 10th August when Laidlaw Schools Trust invited the NHS to run a pop-up to coincide with A-Level results day. As a community hub, Excelsior Academy also provided the opportunity for staff, families of students and anyone in the local community to drop in and receive their first or second jab.
Laidlaw Schools Trust invited the NHS to run the pop-up centres to provide the opportunity for students to get the vaccine as they picked up their results. Students received extremely positive GCSE and level 2 vocational grades after 18 months of significant disruption to their education due to the pandemic.
The teacher assessed grades have been put through a robust external moderation process and accurately reflect the performance of pupils. Staff and students have both worked hard to adapt to new ways of working and learning, and our staff have been dedicated in their support, ensuring every student can achieve their goals and potential. The academy will see many of these pupils progress to A-Levels and Level 3 courses at the Sixth Form.
Academy Principal, James Andriot, said: “I am relieved that Year 11 pupils, who have had so much to deal with as a result of the pandemic, will be able to come into the academy on Thursday knowing what their progression plans will look like for the future. I admire the resilience and determination of pupils, staff and parents/carers who have shouldered so many challenges over the last year and a half.
“I am also delighted to be welcoming the NHS back to Excelsior so that they can offer young people and the local community have the opportunity to get their vaccine and discuss it with NHS colleagues if they are still undecided about it. For me, it is important that Excelsior is at
the heart of the community here in the West End and supports the needs and aspirations of everyone in the locality”.
Professor Neil Watson, Chief Operating Officer for the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme for the North East and North Cumbria, said: “We’re wishing all the students collecting their GCSEs the very best of luck. Today belongs to them and their successes for the hard work they have put in.
“We are very happy to be invited back to hold a pop up vaccination centre for pupils over 16, staff and the community and we’re here to chat if there are any questions.”
Ian Simpson, CEO of Laidlaw Schools Trust said, ‘We are incredibly proud of all of our students, who have shown dedication and resilience over the last year for their success
today and we are looking forward to seeing many of them return in September. I’m delighted that the NHS were keen to work with us to offer the opportunity for our students to be vaccinated and to extend this opportunity to the local community.’