The head of a Hitchin secondary school has praised pupils' parents for raising 'impeccably behaved young people'.

The last 18 months have been a testing time for everyone, including schools, with staff, parents and students all having to adapt to the challenges brought on by the ongoing Covid pandemic.

From dealing with the many issues brought on by lockdown, to homeschooling, to the challenges faced by Covid infections, to dealing with mass vaccinations as well as anti-vaxxers, Hitchin schools have emerged with a great deal of credit.

This includes everyone associated with Hitchin Boys' School, for the way teachers, pupils and parents have dealt with everything that they have had to face.

HBS head Fergal Moane has steered his establishment through choppy waters - and with the October half term upon us, took time to hail pupils and parents associated with the school that has been rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

In a newsletter sent to parents, seen by Hitchin Nub News, Mr Moane - who has earned plaudits for his calm leadership, said: "We do live in times of great uncertainty, so I thank you for your continued support.

"I was truly humbled by some of the kind words and appreciation for the school that you provided to Ofsted.

"In turn, I would like to thank you for your parenting: the reason that we have impeccably behaved young people who face the future with confidence is down to the great start that you have given them in life and the support that you continue to give them and the school.

"I am also incredibly grateful to our staff, both teaching and support, who are on the front line every day trying their best to deliver the excellent academic and pastoral care that we pride ourselves in."

Hitchin Boys' School is an academy-status secondary school, with sixth form. It was founded in 1632 by John Mattocke and educates around 1,500 male pupils.

It's motto is motto is per ardua ad alta which means striving for excellence.