Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the covid-19 lockdown, if he will give discretion to independent schools to prioritise the return of Year 8 pupils due to undertake Common Entrance examinations.

As of 1 June 2020, the Government has asked primary schools to welcome back children in Nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups.

We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers. The safety of children and staff is our utmost priority.

Guidance for schools and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.

We expect all mainstream schools and colleges, including independent schools, to follow the same approach, to ensure national parity for children in this year group.