The government is planning to open schools to all pupils in September, the education secretary has said.

Speaking today in the House of Commons, Gavin Williamson confirmed that the government is not able to open primaries to all children for a month before the summer.

He also said exams will take place next year, despite “considerable disruption” to students’ education caused by the pandemic.

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Mr Williamson said: “We continue to follow the best scientific advice and believe that this cautious, phased return is the most sensible course of action to take.

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“While we are not able to welcome all primary children back for a full month before the summer, we continue to work with the sector on the next steps, where we’d like to see schools who have the capacity to bring back more children in those smaller class sizes - to do so, if they are able to do, before the summer holidays.

“We will be working to bring all children back to school in September.”

He added: “I know students who are due to take exams in 2021 will have experienced considerable disruption to their education this year, and we are committed to doing all we can to minimise the effects of this.

“Exams will take place next year, and we are working with Ofqual and the exam boards on our approach to this.”

Mr Williamson said he was “immensely grateful” for the way teachers have responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

He added: “The safety of our children, young people and staff remains my top priority.”