Do teachers have to wear face masks in school?

  • Contents

  • The majority of Covid restrictions have been removed in English schools. Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.

    Staff and students without symptoms in England are no longer asked to test for Covid twice-weekly. Secondary school pupils also don’t need to wear masks. The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.

    The information in the support article below was current at the time it was published. You may still find it useful for reference purposes.

    Overview

    The Department for Education (DfE) explains face masks will no longer be recommended for pupils and students in classrooms.

    Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms. 

    In all schools, the DfE continues to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas).

    The reintroduction of face coverings for pupils, students or staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to particular localised outbreaks, including variants of concern.

    If you are an Edapt subscriber and you are concerned about issues with face masks at your school you can contact us for further advice and support.

    Was this article helpful?

    The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law.
    While Edapt has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. This article may contain information sourced from public sector bodies and licensed under the Open Government Licence. If you are an Edapt subscriber with an employment-related issue, please contact us and we will be able to refer you to one of our caseworkers.