ASCL comment on scientific evidence

Responding to the publication of scientific evidence underpinning the government’s approach to the wider opening of schools and colleges, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We are pleased the government has published this scientific evidence. It will quickly become clear to anybody reading the papers that the science is not definitive, and indeed, it cannot be in a situation where we are dealing with a new virus which is not fully understood.

“So, this is about making the best judgements on the basis of what is known, and exercising the utmost caution about how we proceed. This means the government must be able to show very clearly that its five tests have been met before it gives the green light to any wider opening from June 1, and it must then be flexible about the timescale and approaches needed to bring in eligible pupils.

“We urge all parties in this debate to desist from cherry-picking pieces of scientific evidence from lengthy and complex documents to bolster their own agenda.”