Secondary school return to be delayed as Covid infections grow out of control

As Covid cases skyrocket, ministers are under pressure to take stronger action

Students returning to secondary school in England are to be kept at home for at least another week, according to Tes. A plan that would see exam age students - years 11 and 13 - not go back to school next week has reportedly been agreed by ministers. According to this plan, only vulnerable pupils and children of key workers would attend school next week. According to The Guardian, this new plan would also see teaching staff given higher priority for vaccination against Covid-19. The government has been under increasing pressure to close schools as Covid infections continue to increase across the country. The UK today reported another 53,135 Covid-19 cases, the highest recorded daily total since the pandemic began, an increase of nearly 12,000 from yesterday. Mass testing is due to be rolled out across schools from January 11th. Delaying students return to schools would give teaching staff more time to prepare for testing. According to the new plan, Year 11 and 13 students would return to classrooms from January 11th, while other students would learn remotely. Primary schools are unlikely to have their schedules affected. It is understood that Boris Johnson is considering the plans and will likely make an announcement tomorrow, along with an update on England's current tier structure. It is expected that more areas across the country will be placed under tier-4 restrictions.