Charles gives top marks to teachers for effort

THE Prince of Wales has spoken directly to teachers across the country in a video message praising them for their “dogged determination” during coronavirus lockdowns.

Addressing a leadership conference run by the PTI, formerly the Prince’s Teaching Institute, Charles said he is “enormously impressed” with the efforts of school leaders and staff to overcome the “mountain of logistical challenges” posed by the pandemic.

Charles, the royal founding patron of the educational charity, told the conference yesterday: “I am very pleased to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated teachers across the country and all the generous supporters of the PTI for your continuing commitment to nurturing the next generation in these particularly challenging times.

“I must say, I am enormously impressed by all that I have heard about what you are managing to achieve despite all the many difficulties you have faced.”

He added: “These are unpredictable times for us all, and I just wanted to let you know that your dogged determination to do the best for your students is certainly not going unnoticed.”

His comments come as schools in England prepare to admit all students from March 8, which will mark the first stage in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “road map” to normality.

The Government announced yesterday that whole families with children in school or college, and their support bubbles, will be able to test themselves twice a week from home as part of a safe return to the classroom.

The PTI was established as a charity in 2006, and now hosts courses and conferences for teachers, academics and policymakers.