JCoSS has been forced to revise its plans to offer remote learning for the final week of term after government intervention. 

The cross-communal secondary school in East Barnet had planned to go digital for most pupils in order to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection ahead of the winter holidays when social distancing restrictions are due to be relaxed over the Christmas period. 

But although classes are being taught remotely on Monday, pupils will be back on site from Tuesday till Thursday. 

 In a statement on Monday, JCoSS said that following talks last week, "the Schools Minister advised us on Friday afternoon that these remote learning plans do not comply with the government’s aim to have on-site learning every day of the term for all students who are able to attend.” 

It added that “officials and ministers took account of the constraints facing JCoSS, especially given the timing of the decision, and we were able to agree a way forward which fulfils the government’s commitment to face-to-face learning which the school fully supports.” 

JCoSS had planned to keep the site open only for children with special needs or for those of key workers. 

Instead, it said on Monday, “the school will be open for onsite learning and the expectation is that students who are not isolating should attend.    

“The short notice means we are unable to reinstate any catering or coach services therefore remote learning will be offered to all students where necessary.” 

Schools Minister Nick Gibb last week wrote to one school in Hertfordshire that had planned to close its site early, warning that the government could use powers to keep it open. 

However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for secondary schools to shut early because of the rise of infection rates in the capital.