Secondary school pupils might not fully return to class until January next year because of problems of maintaining social distancing in schools - and next year's A Levels and GCSEs could be postponed.
Exam regulator Ofqual is reported to be drawing up plans to push back 2021’s exams from May to as late as July, according to The Mirror.
Teaching unions said government advice on social distancing means thousands of pupils may only return part-time in September.
It is feared schools with limited space in classrooms and dining areas, plus cramped corridors, are unlikely to fully reopen until January.
In a letter to parents, Andrew Halls, headmaster at King’s College School, in Wimbledon, South West London, said: “I would love to believe that the coronavirus will soon pack its suitcase and fly to Mars, but this seems improbable... Some children, though it is impossible to say what proportion, may not be back in school until January 2021.”
Parents have also been told to prepare for sudden closures as new coronavirus outbreaks occur. If that happens it would almost certainly mean exams being cancelled and grades handed out based on predicted results.
No details have been given as to how primaries can take the next steps towards getting other year groups back following the return of youngsters in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
A nationwide survey out today suggests 59% of parents believe their child is happier being home-schooled, with as many as a quarter claiming their child was experiencing bullying before lockdown.
