All children in England will have to go back to school in September, the government said, after weeks of wrangling as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

According to AFP, the government initially intended pupils to return before the summer break later this month but was forced to revise its plans after concerns from teaching unions and parents.

Criticism about continued school closures, which began in March, has mounted, particularly because of lack of access to online learning by more disadvantaged families.

“It is critical to ensure that no child loses more time in education,” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told parliament.

Opinion

Editorial

A new deal
Updated 16 Jun, 2026

A new deal

AFTER three and a half months of war between US-Israel and Iran and an acrimonious temporary ceasefire, a genuine...
Charter of economy
16 Jun, 2026

Charter of economy

NO one expected the PTI to accept the government’s invitation to sign a charter of economy; just as few expected...
Hostage seamen
16 Jun, 2026

Hostage seamen

SOME 50 days on, 11 Pakistani nationals are still in Somali pirates’ captivity. Their appeals to the Pakistani and...
Climate choices
Updated 15 Jun, 2026

Climate choices

The country is confronting increasingly volatile weather patterns with consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, public health and economic planning.
Brief opening
15 Jun, 2026

Brief opening

WE have been here before. Throughout the weekend, there was great anticipation that a tentative framework for peace...
Environmental disaster
15 Jun, 2026

Environmental disaster

IT was a heartbreaking sight. A recent news report in these pages carried a picture of a sea turtle lying half ...