Where in the Midlands will secondary students have to wear face masks?

  • The Headteacher of Manor High in Oadby explains what the new policy is on wearing face masks in secondary schools.

The Department for Education (DfE) is now advising students in areas under local restrictions to wear face coverings when moving around corridors and communal areas.

While the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has ruled out making face coverings mandatory in schools in England, some places with local restrictions will be required to wear them.

So what does this mean for the Midlands?

  • Leicester:

Leicester is an area that is still under local restrictions - the next review is set to take place on 31 August.

Following the Government’s changed advice, staff and pupils in secondary schools in Leicester should wear face coverings in communal areas from 1 September.

  • Northampton

Northampton is also an area with local restrictions following a recent outbreak at the Greencore food processing factory where 287 workers have tested positive for coronavirus.

On Friday (August 21) it was added to the government's watchlist as an "Area of Intervention".

"If the borough is in an area of intervention when schools return next week, the guidance is that it is mandatory for children and young people of secondary school age and above to wear face masks in communal spaces."

- Spokesperson, Northamptonshire County Council

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