ASCL comment on continued use of face coverings in secondary schools

Commenting on the announcement that secondary school pupils will need to continue wearing face coverings in lessons, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The health advice on the wearing of face coverings by secondary school pupils in classrooms is clear and we therefore support the new guidance issued today.

“However, the use of face coverings is clearly not ideal in a classroom setting as it has the capacity to disrupt education and it is not something we want to see going on any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“We hope that the continued excellent progress with vaccinations mean it is no longer necessary for students to wear face coverings in lessons when the government announces the next stage in the easing of restrictions in May.”