EXCLUSIVE: A move to remote learning may be a possibility, admits Hitchin secondary school, as facemasks become mandatory in classrooms in a bid to combat the spread of Covid.

As schools return in our town this week, all pupils in secondary schools across the area will return to wearing masks in classrooms, as fears grow the new term could trigger a large spike in cases of the Omicron variant.

Hitchin Boys' School head teacher Fergal Moane confirmed the move in a letter sent to parents, seen by Nub News.

The head of the school recently outstanding by Ofsted, who has earned plaudits for his openness and transparency during the pandemic, wrote: "At the moment, the biggest risk to being able to continue with face-to-face learning is the availability of staff.

"By everyone in our community taking the measures above, we reduce the risk of the more transmissible Omicron strain being passed on, particularly to adults who are more at risk of serious illness than children.

"The school will take every possible measure to keep students in school, but a move to remote learning for some students may be needed if the level of staff absence and lack of alternative supply cover means that it is unsafe to have all students on site.

"If we have to move to remote learning, those doing public exams this year will be prioritised. Provision for children of key workers and those in other vulnerable groups will of course be provided."

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