Boris Johnson has revealed that schools will not return after February half term as was previously hoped.
The Prime Minister made a statement in Parliament this afternoon and said that opening schools was a national priority.
Mr Johnson said the government would set out a roadmap for how the country will come out of lockdown in the week beginning February 22.
Mr Johnson said there would be a "gradual and phased" approach, beginning with the return of schools.
This will then be followed by further reopening in the economic and social spheres.
He said: "Reopening schools must be our first national priority, I also know how they need as much certainty as possible.
"It will not be possible to reopen schools after February half term.
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"I know how frustrating that will be for parents and carers and I know the worries about the mental health of our young people.
"If we achieve our target of vaccinating the key four groups by February 15, we hope it will be safe to reopen schools the week beginning the 8th of March."
Mr Johnson acknowledged the news would be disappointing and set out a plan for how pupils will catch up.
He also confirmed that the government will continue providing free school meals until they have returned to the classroom.
He said: "We will provide a catch-up program over the next financial year with money for tutoring and summer schools.
"We recognise extended school closures will take more than a year to make-up.
"And we will create a long term plan so that pupils have a chance to make up their learnings."
