Head teachers in Wales are optimistic that the summer term starting this week will be the most normal since the pandemic began, with school visits, sports days, and leavers' events running for the first time since 2019. However, some secondary schools are continuing mask requirements and asking staff and pupils to test for COVID-19 before returning.
Regular asymptomatic testing for staff and secondary pupils is no longer required, and one-way systems and contact bubbles have largely been removed. Schools will still follow the Welsh Government's local framework, which allows restrictions to be adjusted based on circumstances, leaving some uncertainty.
Teaching unions have warned of a high risk of COVID disruption, noting that the spring term saw widespread staff and pupil absences, with entire year groups sent home due to supply teacher shortages. Persistent absence remains a concern, with over one in ten pupils absent on average.
Heads have also raised concerns about exams starting in May, arguing that disruption has been so varied that the first GCSE and A-levels since 2019 will be more unfair than the last two years. One head described the system as 'immoral' due to inequality.
Despite challenges, many schools are planning a full return to activities. Karen Brown, head teacher of Millbank Primary in Cardiff, said she is looking forward to a better term, though she will keep pupils in contact bubbles until the end of the term. 'We are not so worried about COVID now but there were still plenty of cases last term,' she said. 'We are looking forward to things like sports days again.'
The Welsh Government's next three-weekly COVID review is on May 6, and updated school guidance is expected early in the term.
