Blackpool school closures: When lockdown ends and half term and school holiday dates - and college and university rules

Schools in Blackpool are now closed to most pupils as the Government imposes a third national lockdown on England.
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In a televised address to the nation on Monday night, the Prime Minister bowed to significant pressure to order primary schools, secondaries and colleges to move to remote teaching for the majority of students from Tuesday.

The Government has now confirmed the closure of all schools in England, except for vulnerable children and children of keyworkers.

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Mr Johnson said: “Because we now have to do everything we possibly can to stop the spread of the disease, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges across England must move to remote provision from tomorrow, except for vulnerable children and the children of keyworkers.”

The third national lockdown is expected to last until at least mid-February, with schools and colleges to remain closed until February half term.The third national lockdown is expected to last until at least mid-February, with schools and colleges to remain closed until February half term.
The third national lockdown is expected to last until at least mid-February, with schools and colleges to remain closed until February half term.

However, early years settings such as nurseries will still be accessible.

Here's everything you need to know about Blackpool school closures, holiday dates and the rules for universities:

When will schools and colleges reopen?

The third national lockdown is expected to last until at least mid-February, with schools and colleges to remain closed until February half term.

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Urging caution about the timetable, Mr Johnson said: "If our understanding of the virus doesn’t change dramatically, once again, if the rollout of the vaccine programme continues to be successful, if deaths start to fall as the vaccine takes effect and – critically – if everyone plays their part by following the rules, then I hope we can steadily move out of lockdown, reopening schools after the February half term and starting cautiously to move regions down the tiers."

These are the school term dates and holidays for Blackpool

Blackpool schools are able to set their own term dates and INSET days.

As a result, Blackpool Council advises parents/carers to check their child's individual school arrangements prior to making a commitment to a holiday or any other event as the dates set for each establishment may vary.

However, these are the standard school year term dates and holidays:

Spring Term 2021

Starts: Monday, January 4

Half Term: Monday, February 15 - Friday, February 19

Ends: Friday, March 26

Summer Term 2021

Starts: Monday, April 12

May Day: Monday, May 3

Half Term: Monday, May 31 - Friday, June 4

Ends: Tuesday, July 20

Autumn Term 2021

Starts: Wednesday, September 1

Half Term: Monday, October 25 - Friday, October 29

Ends: Friday, December 17

​What are the rules for universities in Lancashire?

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University students will not be allowed to return to their institutions in Lancashire during the lockdown.

Lessons will remain online until mid-February for all except future critical worker courses, the Government has confirmed.

Will exams go ahead?

Mr Johnson said the move on schools means “it’s not possible or fair for all exams to go ahead this summer, as normal”.

He said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will work with regulator Ofqual to put in place “alternative arrangements”.

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The PM added: “We will provide extra support to ensure that pupils entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them while schools are closed, and we will distribute more devices to support remote education.”

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