The Government has revised rules around face coverings for staff and children in year 7 or above in education settings in England.

Nationally, while the Government is not recommending face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances.

In areas of national government intervention, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in secondary schools when moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain. It will not be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom.

This updated advice reflects the latest advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Government has confirmed that, in order to be consistent with WHO’s advice, if the rate of transmission increases across the whole country it may be necessary to apply stricter guidance on face coverings in schools nationally.

The associated updated guidance on face coverings in education settings has now been published, and will come into effect from 1 September. These new rules apply to secondary schools, further education colleges and will be reflected in the guidance to universities