Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pay tribute to teachers' pandemic efforts on visit to Northumberland school

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have carried out their first official royal engagement in Northumberland.
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They visited Holy Trinity First School in Berwick on the second stage of a whistle-stop tour of the UK.

They made the short journey from the town’s railway station after arriving on the Royal Train following their first engagement of the day in Edinburgh.

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Over three days, The Duke and Duchess are travelling 1,250 miles with stops in England, Scotland and Wales, meeting frontline workers, volunteers, care home staff, teachers, schoolchildren and young people to hear about their experiences, sacrifices and the inspiring work they have done throughout this challenging year.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Holy Trinity First School in Berwick.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Holy Trinity First School in Berwick.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Holy Trinity First School in Berwick.

They were introduced to pupils in their year group bubbles by head teacher Nick Shaw and deputy head Jill Jeffrey.

Mr Shaw said: “It’s a real honour for our school to be included in the Royal tour and such a lovely treat for the children and staff, who have worked so hard.

"We’re very proud to represent Berwick and all the other fantastic local schools and keyworkers in the town and across Northumberland because this has been a community effort and they all deserve our appreciation.”

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Like many schools, Holy Trinity stayed open for vulnerable pupils and children of keyworkers throughout the first lockdown.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Holy Trinity First School in Berwick where they thanked teachers for their efforts during the Covid pandemic. Picture: Dawn RobertsonThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Holy Trinity First School in Berwick where they thanked teachers for their efforts during the Covid pandemic. Picture: Dawn Robertson
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a visit to Holy Trinity First School in Berwick where they thanked teachers for their efforts during the Covid pandemic. Picture: Dawn Robertson

Staff took turns to teach children in school while also providing support and resources for pupils learning at home.

Earlier in the pandemic, they worked through their holidays and made every effort to ensure the usual summer term treats - including camping day, sports day and special grandparents’ day - could be delivered virtually.

Mr Shaw personally delivered packed lunches to the front doors of eligible children and revealed staff got up in the middle of the night to access meal vouchers for individual pupils when the government website was swamped.

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The Duchess of Northumberland also attended and admired a children’s art exhibition.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Holy Trinity First School head teacher Nick Shaw.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Holy Trinity First School head teacher Nick Shaw.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Holy Trinity First School head teacher Nick Shaw.

The visit included a performance by The Earl Grey Saxes in conjunction with The Maltings Theatre in Berwick which has been supported during the pandemic through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Year 4 children also performed a festive song.

And, as if a real life prince and princess wasn’t enough, the children were also treated to a visit by three reindeer – Chaz, Crackers and Echols from Durham-based Rent-a-Reindeer.

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The Duke and Duchess met three reindeer. Picture: Dawn RobertsonThe Duke and Duchess met three reindeer. Picture: Dawn Robertson
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