by Katie Alston

Students on a school trip to China have now been released from quarantine.

The nine year 12 and 13 pupils, along with their two teachers from Simon Langton Girls School, Canterbury arrived in the country's capital Beijing last Monday for their two-week educational trip.

They were on the same plane as eight British schoolchildren who remain in hospital after contracting swine flu. Those teenagers are from schools in London and Somerset.

The Simon Langton girls, who are aged between 16 and 18 years old, were told by Chinese authorities to remain in their four-star hotel until further notice on Wednesday July 15, after the outbreak had been confirmed.

Although activities such as a tea party were organised to entertain the students, their planned excursions had to be cancelled.

It is understood 50 students from across Kent had been on the trip organised by the British Council.

The Canterbury students were however released from quarantine on Sunday morning, and allowed to leave their hotel compound to board a flight for the next phase of the trip to another province.

Head teacher at the Old Dover Road school Jane Robinson said: “The students are in high spirits and I have been in contact with them and the teachers daily. I have also spoken to all of their parents and I along with the students have kept everyone updated.

“There were plenty of activities planned for the girls whilst they were in quarantine so they weren’t board and have been treated very well by their hosts.

“The authorities have understandably been careful as would any country.
“They weren’t sitting close to the infected students on the plane and none of our pupils have any flu like symptoms.

“The schools staff are highly experienced and there is no need for any cause of concern.

“It is just a shame that this has happened as none of them, as far as I know, have been to China before.”