How long are schools in the UK going to be closed for amid the Coronavirus pandemic?

28 April 2020, 17:26 | Updated: 28 April 2020, 17:31

How long will schools close for in the UK and when will they re-open? Here's what we know amid the Coronavirus pandemic...

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the UK government confirmed that all schools will shut to protect those who are most vulnerable.

On Wednesday, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed classrooms in England would be closing to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

You can find the latest Coronavirus (Covid-19) advice from the NHS here.

Earlier in the day, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales also announced they would be closing all schools.

But how long will UK schools be closed for and when will students go back?

How long will schools close for in the UK?

It is unknown how long schools will be shut for in England, Scotland and Wales among the coronavirus outbreak.

Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on April 28 that it was 'still too early' to know when schools would be up and running.

He said in the daily government briefing: "The honest answer is still too early to say when we will be able to open schools because there are too many deaths each day.

"I know there is a yearning to know when schools might go back, and of course it’s something we think about and talk about and I’m sorry I can’t give a more definitive answer because we don’t yet have the number of deaths and infections low enough for it to be safe."

This comes after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Parliament: “After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice.”

Read More: Who are the key workers? Children of certain workers will stay at school after closures

Boris Johnson clarified that schools would not be shut for children of ‘key workers’ such as NHS workers, police officers and delivery drivers to ensure their parents are still able to work.

The Prime Minister also said that schools will remain open for vulnerable children and there will be resources available for students who rely on free school meals.

Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms are also being told to follow the guidance to close their doors.

Mr Johnson said: "We think now that we must apply further downward pressure with that upward curve by closing schools."

But he added that children shouldn’t be left with grandparents or other vulnerable relatives.

Read More: What does it mean if the UK goes into lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic?

It was also confirmed that all A level and GCSE exams have been called off in May and June, but there has been no word on whether they will be rescheduled at a later date.

The PM said during Wednesday’s press conference: “Exams will not take place as planned in May and June.

“We will make sure that students get the qualifications they need and deserve for their careers.”

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