The Government has announced secondary school pupils in Islington will return to schools and colleges later than planned because of surging coronavirus infections.

Today’s (Wednesday 30th December) announcement means:

Secondary school and college students in exam years will return to school in the week of Monday 11th January, a week later than planned
Secondary school and college students not in exam years will return to school in the week of Monday 18th January, a week later than planned
Secondary schools and colleges are due to be open to vulnerable children or the children of key workers from Monday 4th January.

The Government has announced that primary school pupils in Islington should return to school in the week of Monday 4th January.

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “Coronavirus continues to spread fast in Islington and across London, and the more the virus spreads in our communities, the more serious illness and death we will see. Islington has a deeply concerning rise in coronavirus cases, especially in infections in the over-60s, which have recently more than doubled.

“It’s right that secondary schools will reopen later in January to help tackle this deadly disease. We will continue to do everything we can to support Islington’s incredible head teachers, teachers, teaching assistants and support staff at this very challenging time. We are now seeking urgent clarification from the Government about why Islington’s primary schools are to reopen in the week of January 4th, while those in many other London boroughs will not reopen.

“It is deeply frustrating that the Government has made this announcement at the last minute, just days before the start of term, weeks after it was clear coronavirus cases were surging in London. It also comes just two weeks after the Government threatened schools with legal action after some councils, including Islington, advised schools to delay reopening after January, following public health advice over surging coronavirus cases.

“It’s vital that everything is done to urgently tackle the surging coronavirus cases, to keep everyone in our community safe at this dangerous time.”

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