Coronavirus school closures: How long are UK schools going to be closed for? And what did other countries do?

1 April 2020, 10:54 | Updated: 7 June 2023, 08:56

School closures took place from March 20 but how long for? But when will schools be reopening to all pupils? Here are all the details.

Coronavirus officially caused UK school closures across the country except for pupils of key workers and vulnerable children from March 20.

Boris Johnson stated UK schools will be closed “until further notice” with speculation rife they won’t reopen until September 2020.

Coronavirus lockdown: What would happen and would we be allowed to go outside?

So how long are UK schools going to be closed for? What has the government said? And what did other countries do?

Here’s everything we know so far about school closures and coronavirus:

How long are UK schools going to be closed for?

It's believed coronavirus in the UK is around it's first peak of the illness but following an extension of UK lockdown for three weeks, it is not known how long exactly schools will be closed for.

However, with 2020 exams including GCSEs, SATs and A Levels all being suspended, it’s believed it could be May when schools are considered for a return.

What has Boris Johnson and the government said about school closures?

The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced to Parliament that English schools would close to all pupils but those of key workers until further notice.

The Prime Minister urged parents not to leave children in the care of grandparents or older relatives who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with coronavirus.

GCSEs and A-levels in both England and Wales will be cancelled - although the Prime Minister said there are plans for students to receive qualifications.

In Scotland and Wales, all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday. A decision on whether exams will sit in Scotland has not yet been taken.

Schools in Northern Ireland will shut and it is expected pupils will not sit summer exams.

How long did other countries have school closures for?

Schools in China, Italy and the USA who all made the decision to close schools are predominantly still closed. Although some schools in China have started to reopen.

It's thought it will remain that way until the end of the academic year.