The start of the new term is being delayed until Monday 11 January to enable a voluntary Covid-19 testing programme to be set up for all government-employed and private school staff, as well as students in Years 11, 12 and 13.
In a statement, Education Minister Tracey Vallois said: ‘This is the safest way forward and gives parents, young people and our hard-working staff even greater security around their health and wellbeing.
‘As previously announced, teachers and the wider school and college staff teams will be working from Monday 4th in preparing to welcome back our young people, and some schools will be open for students preparing for or sitting exams.
‘Head teachers will be notifying their staff and parents and carers directly with more details.’
