Schools won't open before March, Johnson says.

Schools in England could open from the 8th of March, the PM has announced today.

Boris Johnson acknowledged the frustration from pupils and their families but added that schools would need a fortnight's notice before a decision would be made.

Mr Johnson revealed in the House of Commons earlier that schools would not be able to open after the February half-term unless the UK met its vaccination goals and the death toll falling.

Only from the 22nd of February will the government have the data to determine whether the vaccines have successfully stopped the transmission of COVID-19 and if so, to ease the current lockdown restrictions.

He also added that it was too early to decide whether or not to end the national lockdown as several thousands of people remain in hospital with coronavirus.

The prime minister announced a new £300 catch-up fund to help students who have missed classes because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools in England have been closed and only offering remote learning since the 5th of January, except for vulnerable pupils and children of key workers.