Education secretary Gavin Williamson announced yesterday that all schools would close from Friday and summer exams would be cancelled.
It is currently unclear how long schools will be shut for - with the Prime Minister refusing to put a timescale on the drastic measures.
But the government announced the children of 'key workers' would still be able to attend schools - as will pupils described as vulnerable.
Key workers are those classed as people needed to help fight coronavirus.
Who is defined as a key worker?
Boris Johnson outlined several different professions as he delivered his daily briefing from Downing Street. A more definitive list is expected to be released later today.
They included:
- health workers
- police officers
- supermarket delivery drivers
- those caring for vulnerable and elderly people
In recent days, schools have been asking parents if they work in any of the following categories:
- National Health Service
- Armed forces
- Teachers and childcare staff
- Care home workers
- Social workers
- Police officers, community support, civilian staff
- Prison officer or other probation staff
- Firefighters
- Local authority planners
- Environmental health officers
- Highway Agency traffic officers
The unprecedented announcement mean hundreds of thousands of children who have prepped for exams are currently in the dark about their education future.
However, teenagers will be able to go to college and university without sitting GCSE or A-level exams, the Education Secretary has said.
In his announcement last night, Gavin Williamson said no exams will take place this academic year, before the summer term.
Asked if he anticipated people still going into higher and further education without undergoing a formal exams process he told Sky: "Yes, that's right."
He added further guidance about how to do this will be published on Friday and talks with school leaders are still ongoing.
The Education Secretary said there will have to be an appeals process for any pupil who feels they've been wronged.
"Exams will not take place as planned in May and June", Boris Johnson reiterated.
The Prime Minister said the government would ensure pupils get the qualifications they need.
However he did not say how or what form that would take.
Thousands of students will have university or college offers dependent on their A-level results.
"We will make sure their progress is not impeded as a result of the decision we're having to take now," Mr Johnson said.
The Mirror understands it is possible universities could use predicted grades, if they resume as normal in September, but this is not confirmed
