Like many other schools, at Queenswood we have been thinking of ways that we can help the local community in this terribly difficult time. When we heard about lack of personal protection equipment for those caring for the most vulnerable members of society – in care homes, hospices and intensive care units – we realised that we could make a difference.

As well as being a school, Queenswood is also home for many members of staff. Over the Easter holidays, teachers, boarding staff and administrators have been working incredibly hard in the Design and Technology workshops, using the laser cutting machine to create protective face shields and the sewing machines to stitch NHS-grade scrubs.

Of course, we soon exhausted our supply of raw materials, and that’s where the school community has really stepped in. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of parents, girls and staff, past and present, who managed to raise over £5000 in just three days via our GoFundMe campaign. This will ensure that we can keep the production line flowing.

As news of our efforts spreads on social media, so the orders have started to flow in. We’ve heard from hospitals in Enfield, Watford and Romford, hospices in North London and care homes in Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City, all eager to get hold of the PPE we are making in our workshops. Over the Easter weekend we made our first deliveries.

Principal, Jo Cameron, said: ‘I am so grateful to the DT department and to all the staff who are giving up their time for this wonderful cause, and of course to the many generous donors who have made it possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with those directly affected by this terrible virus. In these uncertain times, it’s wonderful to know that we can do something positive. Please look after yourselves and those around you.’