Coronavirus: Boris Johnson announces schools will close on Friday except for children of key workers with all exams cancelled

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced today (Wednesday) that all schools will close from Friday onwards until further notice to aid efforts to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

All schools in England are to close this Friday, except to those children whose parents are key workers like NHS staff, police and delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work and children who are most vulnerable.

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, told MPs at the press conference this afternoon: "Looking after these children will allow schools to serve the country during these difficult times."

Boris Johnson called on nurseries and private schools to do the same and offered financial support to make this possible.

He added: "By looking after the children of key workers they will be a vital part of the fightback against Coronavirus."

He also confirmed exams would not take place in May and June but said the Government would ensure students would receive the qualifications they deserved from their academic careers, although how this will happen is unclear at this stage.

This comes after schools across the district announced they would be closing, including Sir William Robertson Academy, Toot Hill School and Newark Academy.

Mr Johnson also called upon retired healthcare professionals to come back and help the NHS at this difficult time.

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