Schools will be allowed to organise trips with overnight stays from next Monday, the prime minister said today.

Addressing the country at this afternoon’s Downing Street press briefing, Boris Johnson said restrictions on domestic residential school visits would be eased from 17 May.

“Everyone will be able to travel within Britain and stay overnight, meaning schools will also be able to organise trips with overnight stays,” he said.

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Schools were allowed to resume “educational day visits” from 12 April. However, they have so far been told not to take residential trips.

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The government previously said that schools may begin planning for overnight visits to take place no earlier than 17 May - but advised them not to enter into any new “financial or contractual commitments”.

Following Mr Johnson’s announcement, the Department for Education clarified that schools should not plan to take international trips before, and including, 5 September.

“The department recommends schools and colleges do not plan for international visits to take place up to and including 5 September, recognising the logistical difficulties that will remain in place this academic year regarding overseas travel with groups of children,” it said.