The guidance has been issued ahead of England’s new national lockdown, which comes into force from midnight.
All pupils and teachers at secondary schools in England must wear face masks in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, it has been announced.
Under updated government guidance issued on Wednesday, staff and students in Year 7 and above have been told to wear face coverings in school communal spaces – outside of classrooms – where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Face coverings had already been required for secondary school pupils within areas under Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions in England, with those local restrictions now to be replaced by the national measures.
The guidance has been issued ahead of England’s new lockdown, which will come into force from midnight after MPs approved the shutdown in a House of Commons vote.
Schools have been given until Monday to implement the new guidance.Advertisement
Primary school children will not need to wear face coverings, while those older children with special educational needs or disabilities may also be exempt.
It will also remain at the discretion of primary schools as to whether staff and visitors should wear face coverings in communal spaces.