Secondary school pupils and teachers in England could be told to wear masks on the premises in government guidance expected today.
Head teachers want consistent rules from ministers about the wearing of masks, which at present is left to their discretion unless their schools are in areas of high infection.
Children and staff at secondary schools in Scotland must wear masks when moving between lessons or in communal areas. From this week, older pupils in locked down areas of Scotland have had to wear masks in classrooms.
School leaders in England are desperate for clarification of rules under the second lockdown. The Times understands that the government is likely to introduce more consistent guidance on facemasks, requiring all secondary pupils and staff to wear them