HIGH schools in England are set for a staggered return to prepare for the rollout of coronavirus testing among pupils and staff.

The announcement was made by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in the House of Commons this afternoon, Wednesday.

Exam year students will return on January 11, with other high school and college students returning the following week on January 18.

The ‘overwhelming majority’ of primary schools will open as planned on January 4.

Mr Williamson added that some primary schools in areas with the highest rates of coronavirus will not reopen for face-to-face teaching to all pupils on that date.

These areas are to be confirmed later today.

Universities are being asked to reduce the number of students who return to campus at the start of January, prioritising students who require practical learning to gain their professional qualifications.

All university students should be offered two rapid tests on their return in order to reduce the chance of spread of Covid-19.

In his address to the Commons, the Education Secretary said: “We have been adamant that the education of children is an absolute priority, and that keeping schools open is uppermost in all our plans.

“The magnificent efforts of all the leaders, teachers, and staff in all of our schools and colleges have ensures that settings are as safe and COVID-secure as possible.

“But we must always act quickly when circumstances change.”

He continued: “During the first week of term on or after January 4, secondary schools and colleges will prepare to test as many staff and students as possible and will only be open to vulnerable children and children of key workers.

“The 1,500 military personnel committed to supporting schools and colleges will remain on task providing virtual training and advice on establishing the testing process with teams on standby to provide in-person support if required by schools.

“Testing will then begin the following week in earnest with those who are in exam years at the head of the queue.

“This is in preparation for the full return of all pupils in all year groups on January 18 in most areas.”

The Government expects to deliver 50,000 devices to schools across the country on January 4 to support remote and online learning, while 100,000 devices in total will be delivered during the first week of term.

Mr Williamson added: “With schools, our best line of attack is to keep them open so we can ensure that children are able to gain the benefit of a world class education.

“I am more determined than ever that children will not pay the price of beating Covid.

“With these plans, I am confident that we can minimise the health risk posed by the virus.”