A COMPANY in Malvern which is responsible for international students in England has set up a quarantine hotel for pupils.

Pippa’s Guardians has started a quarantine hotel for their students which will be based in Oxford. This will mean children arriving in the UK can be supported whilst quarantining and helped to make arrangements for the necessary Covid tests.

A spokesman said: "As schools are set to open on March 8, students have already begun making plans to recommence their studies in the UK despite the quarantine requirements in place. From February 15, anyone entering the UK is required to quarantine for 10 days and take a Covid test on day two and day eight – a daunting process for anyone let alone students under 18 who are travelling alone.

"Our quarantine hotel service has been really reassuring to overseas parents whose children travel alone and study miles away from family members. After completing the quarantine period, students will be transferred safely from the hotel to their boarding schools."

Ceri Thomson, regional manager for Pippa’s Guardians, cares for students at boarding schools in Central England. “Many of our students attend top UK Boarding Schools, such as Bromsgrove School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Radley College and the Dragon School. Schools have been proactive in setting up online lessons and at home learning for students to ensure they don’t fall behind in their studies; however students are eager to get back in the classroom”

International students will still need to make plans for their school holidays as many boarding schools close during this period. Students without families in the UK rely on host families to care for them at half terms and holiday periods. Host families allow students to learn what UK family life is like, a different experience to their life at school, but the host family often benefit too.

Paula Piazza, has been a host family for many years and found it has been a rewarding opportunity for her whole family. “We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting students over the last 3 years, which has been a successful and rewarding experience for everyone. Our daughters have had the opportunity to learn about different cultures, firsthand, and have enjoyed having a 'big sister' to play games and watch movies with and have even learnt how to make origami animals! As so many of our students have a dedicated 'work ethic' this has also been a hugely beneficial influence on them both!”

Anyone with a spare room who can offer a caring and supportive environment for students, can contact Pippa’s Guardians for information on becoming a host family, www.pippasguardians.co.uk or email hostfamilies@pippasguardians.co.uk