The start of term for some primaries in areas hardest hit by Covid-19 is expected to be delayed by two weeks, Tes understands.

The plan, due to be unveiled by education secretary Gavin Williamson this afternoon, is a recognition of the rising rates of Covid infection.

A source close to the Department for Education told Tes that it could either see primaries in all Tier 4 areas open a fortnight late, or just primaries in the hardest hit Tier 4 areas.

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The Sun newspaper is reporting it will be the latter option. But the situation is fluid with discussions understood to be continuing right up to the wire.

And it is understood that the majority of the plan for secondaries, as revealed by Tes earlier this week, has remained intact.

Most, if not all secondaries, will open only to vulnerable students or children of key workers for two weeks commencing 4 January, giving schools more room to set up mass testing.

It is understood that January mocks and exams will go ahead as planned, with Year 11 and 13 students allowed to return to school to sit the assessments.