Reopening schools across Europe has not caused a spike in coronavirus cases. Evidence from 22 EU states that have restored classes suggests little or no risk to pupils, teachers or families.

The danger of the coronavirus lockdown widening the gap with the most disadvantaged pupils was highlighted in research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Doubts have been raised over whether many will be ready to take GCSEs and A Levels next year. Boris Johnson announced primary pupils in England could return to school as early as June 1.

Only 19% of pupils from state primaries and 22% from state secondaries have taken part in online lessons as Education Secretary Gavin Williams refused to set a date for when schools will reopen.

Thousands of 16 and 18-year-olds left in limbo by the lockdown in schools were given clearer guidance yesterday about the marks process with results due before the end of July.

The Education Secretary has warned parents they should ‘assume’ their children will be at home ‘for a considerable amount of time’ when asked if the academic year is over until the Autumn.

The petition, started by Sami Attout, urges Boris Johnson to shut down schools and colleges across the UK ‘in the coming weeks of as soon as possible’, to prevent the spread of Covid19.

The Duchess of Sussex was filmed getting out of a car and meeting teachers outside Robert Clack Upper School in Dagenham this afternoon.

The Midlands Air Ambulance, which is delivering the training, has seen a ‘huge increase’ in knife attacks and last year attended an average of two stabbings per week.

The children, who attend the Thomas’s Battersea school in southwest London have been sent home and are awaiting test results. It is the school that Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend.