Most of the nation’s school children have been learning remotely since the end of the Christmas holidays.
As Boris Johnson prepares to announce the reopening of schools in England on 8 March, here’s what is happening across the UK.
Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed there will be a staggered return of schools starting with children in primary school years one to three going back from Monday 22 February.
Secondary school pupils who need to complete practical work towards achieving a qualification will also be allowed back from the same date – but must socially distance.
No other pupils will return before 15 March, the Scottish first minister added.Advertisement
Ms Sturgeon cautioned that getting children back in education “may mean the rest of us living with some other restrictions for longer”, but added: “That is a trade-off we need to be willing to make.”
England
The prime minister is expected say that all pupils in all year groups can go back to the classroom from 8 March – but this will be dependent on data showing case and infection rates dropping.
He is due to outline his “roadmap” out of lockdown to parliament on 22 February.
However, a coalition of education unions and professional bodies has warned a full return of all pupils at the same time would be a “reckless” course of action.
Primary and secondary schools have offered remote learning for most pupils since the beginning of January, although the children of critical workers and vulnerable children have been able to actually attend.
GCSE, AS and A level exams will not go ahead as planned in 2021, with teachers estimating pupils’ grades instead.
Primary school SATs will not go ahead this year, nor will phonics or timetable testing.
Universities have been offering remote teaching.
Wales
Children aged three to seven (in the Foundation phase from nursery to year two) will return to school full time after half term – which for most state schools is 22 February.
They have been prioritised due to being least likely to transmit coronavirus, while also having greater difficulties with remote learning.
There will also be returns for some vocational learners, including apprentices, to colleges in order to access training or workplace environments for their practical qualifications.
All primary school pupils aged eight and over could return to classrooms in Wales from 15 March if the public health situation continues to improve.
As with England, schools and colleges are currently open for children of key workers, vulnerable learners and those completing essential exams or assessments.
Special schools are open where possible.
The Welsh government has also cancelled GCSEs, AS and A-levels.
Grades will be determined by teachers, based on evidence such as mock exams and coursework.
Northern Ireland
The Stormont administration has said most pupils in Northern Ireland will not return to school until 8 March.
Vulnerable children and children of key workers can go to school and special schools can open.