Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote the wearing of face masks in secondary schools.

The department has published comprehensive guidance on the use of face coverings in schools, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education.

At each stage of its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has listened to and acted on the latest medical and scientific advice, and if we think that the guidance should be revised based on further evidence then we will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively.

When an area moves to the local restriction tier 2: ‘high’, 3: ‘very high’ or 4: ‘stay at home’, in schools where year 7 and above are taught, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving around indoors, outside of classrooms, for example in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

As the guidance outlines, based on current evidence, and in light of the mitigation measures that schools have put in place, face coverings are not necessary in the classroom. Schools and colleges that are in local restriction tier 1: ‘medium’ will have the discretion to require the use of face coverings in indoor communal areas, outside of classrooms, where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is appropriate in their particular circumstances.

We continue to provide information to schools and other education and childcare settings on our guidance, and any changes to it, through regular departmental communications.