As part of our new feature, we are talking with members of the Outwood Family and finding out how life has changed for them since the wider reopening of the secondary academies.

This time we chat with Toby Rutter, Principal at Outwood Academy Hemsworth. 

Read on to see how Toby and the team at OA Hemsworth dealt with the wider reopening of the academy to students.

[Outwood.com] Hi Toby, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We appreciate you’re busy, so let’s get to it! Things have been turned upside down recently, for reasons we are all too aware of. So, as we begin to enter a new ‘normal’, how were you feeling prior to the academy reopening?

“Hello, I’m delighted to be taking part and to answer your question I was feeling frustrated to be honest.  

“The school was moving forward rapidly and I just wanted the students all back in so we could continue in the right direction. I really enjoy the vibe that a fully functioning school brings and I have been missing this.”

Well the shift was so dramatic back in March, it's understandable that you missed it. What would you say was the most challenging aspect of the entire process for you?

“Obviously it’s been a very fluid period, with things changing daily but it was challenging being bound by the government guidance, which often wasn't quick enough coming. Like I said, things were changing and I understand why there were delays with guidance being issued, but it was still frustrating.  

“To be honest, I think this frustration just stems from that fact that I was missing the students and staff.”

That feeling has been echoed around the Outwood Family, Toby. People missed their colleagues, their students and that daily face-to-face interaction. On a more positive side, what did you find most surprising during this process?

“Not so surprising, but it has been great to see just how positive the staff and students have been in returning.  

“I suppose, like we’ve said, they too have missed school and have enjoyed seeing each other again, albeit while socially distancing. I did take some pride in seeing this as well, as it is a credit to the relationships that staff and students have built up.”

Thanks for your time, Toby. Really appreciate it.