Education secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed the majority’ of primary school students would return on 4th January as planned’ with secondary pupils being delayed.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said the ‘majority’ of primary school students would return on 4th January as planned, except for in a small number of areas where coronavirus rates are highest.
Talking about secondary schools he continued ‘Year 11 and 13 pupils will return to secondary school from the 11th January, with all other years returning on 18th January.’
“Dealing with this pandemic has always been an exercise in managing risk.
“Throughout we have been adamant that the education of children is an absolute priority, and that keeping schools open is uppermost in all our plans.
“The magnificent efforts of all the leaders, teachers, and staff in all of our schools and colleges have ensures that settings are as safe and COVID-secure as possible.
“But we must always act quickly when circumstances change. The evidence about the new COVID variant and rising infection rate have required some immediate adjustment to our plans for the new term.”
