The government has made ‘no decision’ on when schools will be reopened, the Education Secretary has said.

Gavin Williamson’s announcement this morning comes amid reports that pupils could be sent back to school in just three weeks’ time.

He tweeted: ‘I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so.’

It follows a report in The Sunday Times claiming ministers are planning for certain age groups to return to school gradually to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Primary-age children and students in Year 10 and 12, who were due to sit their GCSE and A Levels, would reportedly be the first groups invited back.

But if there is a delay in re-opening schools, GCSE and A Level students could have to go to school during the six-week summer break, according to the report.

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There are also said to be plans to delay exams until July 2021 so children can make up the time.

The plan is reportedly being drawn up by deputy-PM Dominic Raab, Michael Gove, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, and will be presented to Boris Johnson when returns to Downing Street – which could be by next week.

The PM has reportedly been given three dates for schools reopening: May 11, June 1 or the start of September.

But Cabinet minister Michael Gove denied the Government has drawn up a graduated plan to start easing the coronavirus lockdown within weeks.

‘The facts and the advice are clear at the moment that we should not be thinking of lifting of these restrictions yet,’ he told Sky.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has increased pressure for a ‘road map’ out of restrictions.

Sir Keir accused the Government of dragging its feet in dealing with the pandemic.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Sir Keir said: ‘The Government was too slow to enter the lockdown.

‘It has been too slow to increase the number of people being tested.

‘It has been too slow in getting NHS staff the critical equipment they need to keep them safe. We need to make sure these mistakes are not repeated.

‘Other countries have begun to set out a road map to lift restrictions in certain sectors of the economy and for certain services, especially social care, when the time is right.

‘This of course must be done in a careful, considered way with public health, scientific evidence and the safety of workers and families at its heart. But the UK Government should be doing likewise.’

The remarks came as the Mail on Sunday reported ministers are finalising a three-stage ‘traffic light’ plan that would see outlets like DIY stores and garden centres reopen.

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