DfE investigates London school trip to Wales

"Our insurers approved it; the coach company and their insurer approved it; the residential facility and their insurer approved it."

The school said it took the emotional well-being of its students "very seriously and are aware of the emotional impact lockdown has had. The trip was a way helping families cope with these uncertain times."

According to social distancing rules in Wales, self-catering accommodation is open as long as it does “not require guests to share washing facilities, toilets or kitchens”.

The Welsh Government's current advice is "against domestic trips - residential and non-residential - for children under 18 organised by education settings".

The North Welsh seaside town has become popular with Charedi visitors, especially from Manchester. Lubavitch have a retreat centre there and the Viznitz Rebbe from Bnei Brak in Israel has a home, where he spends part of the summer.

Two years ago, Elyon received a warning notice from the DfE over failure to meet independent school standards after it was judged inadequate by Ofsted.

A follow-up inspection found improvements and said there was a “strong culture of safeguarding” but noted that the school’s leaders were clear that pupils could not discuss issues such as sexual orientation.