Safety a priority as Sydney's Scots College students arrive at Kangaroo Valley campus

Several busloads of students left the Bellevue Hill campus after being dropped off by their guardians on Wednesday July 14, after Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the extension of remote learning and lockdown orders for the rest of Greater Sydney would be extended a further two weeks.

Read more: Greater Sydney lockdown extended two weeks as 97 new cases recorded

Students will spend the next six months at the Scots College Glengarry residential campus in Kangaroo Valley, where they undertake the school's annual year 9 academic and outdoor education program, supervised by about 30 staff, including some casuals and others who live on site.

Under the current lockdown, schools in Greater Sydney are limited to at-home learning and excursions are not permitted.

However, NSW Health did not deem the trip to be an excursion due to its length.

Headmaster Dr Ian Lambert refuted reports that the school had sought an exemption from NSW Health.

"The college sought guidance, advice, and received approval from NSW Health for students to travel and commence their boarding at the Glengarry campus of The Scots College," he said.

"Similarly, guidance and advice were sought from the Association for Independent Schools NSW in relation to the operation of boarding schools."

Read more: Regional schools to return to face-to-face learning for term three

During the entirely of their six month stay, Dr Lambert said the boys are "isolated from the outside world" with no television, internet, mobile phones or computer games. He said students communicate with their parents via handwritten letter.

Dr Lambert said that as a precuation, the Glengarry campus has started a 14-day lockdown with supplies including food being dropped at the front gate and masks worn inside all classrooms.

"The campus is in lockdown and the front gate is shut," he said.

"We will get any supplies delivered to the front gate where it will be collected with using local suppliers whenever possible to help support the local community through this difficult time."

Read more: 'Business as usual': Local trial HSC exams going ahead as planned

Prior to leaving Sydney, students had to isolate 14 days before and also return a negative COVID-19 test. They will be tested again after two weeks.

"In every consideration, our priority has been to meet and exceed the requirements of the public health orders," said Dr Lambert.

Dr Lambert confirmed that students travelled to Glengarry without stopping in transit and that if a student was unwell, "even with the mildest of symptoms", they were not permitted to travel to Glengarry.

Dr Lambert ensured that no student would leave the campus and that the Shoalhaven community would be protected. He also said "NSW Police and the City of Shoalhaven were advised of travel arrangements for boys arriving at the campus".