Education Secretary Gavin Williamson did not rule out that a proposal of lengthening the school day is under consideration to help pupils catch up from the coronavirus disruption.

He told Sky News: "We'll be looking at how we can boost and support children in a whole range of different manners.

"But it's not just about time in school, it's about supporting teachers in terms of the quality of teaching and how we can help them."

Mr Williamson said around 40% of university students will be able to return for face-to-face teaching from March 8.

He added: "From March 8 you'll be seeing all practical students being able to return, that's roughly 40% of all students studying at university. So a very significant increase.

"I equally recognise that there's many more students that are not covered in that so that's why as part of the next stage there is a review about when we can bring students back into university at the earliest possible moment. This is the right time to do so."