Secondary school pupils will be made to wear face masks in the classroom when they return to school on March 8, reports say.

This means the older pupils will have to wear the coverings at their desks as well as in corridors, according to ITV News.

Head teachers could previously use their discretion to use masks in schools, but they are now set to be made compulsory.

The Prime Minister is due to tell MPs that all pupils in all years in England can go back to the classroom from March 8, with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed to restart as well.

The plan for England’s pupils to return en masse comes despite warnings from unions that it could be ‘reckless’ not to stagger the resumption of face-to-face schooling.

Schools in Wales and Scotland began their phased return today.

Progress on the next steps out of lockdown will depend on meeting four tests: the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants, and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

However, Number 10 insisted that the ‘stay at home’ message would remain in place despite the relaxation of some restrictions.

The changes will apply across England, rather than on a regional basis.

A five-week gap from March 8 would suggest the next phase of the programme could begin as early as April 12, if the tests are met.

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