Public schools will open for in-class learning from Wednesday, it has been announced.

The Royal Gazette understands that parents of public school pupils were notified of the decision last night in an e-mail from Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education.

The decision was made by the Education Emergency Measures Committee at a meeting earlier this week.

In her e-mail to parents, Ms Richards said: “Schools will function under normal school hours and operate in strict adherence to the public health guidelines.

“In particular, all schools are reminded about protocols for mask-wearing, hand hygiene and physical distancing.

“Thanks are extended to teachers, staff, parents and students for their patience.”

Public schools were forced to close early last term in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools reopened for the start of the new term last week but only on a remote basis, with students staying at home and lessons being taught online.

Announcing that decision last month, Diallo Rabain, the education minister, said: “We recognise that the decision to continue remote learning until January 12 may be inconvenient for many families and we apologise for this.

“However, our intent is to alert parents now in order for them to accommodate students remaining at home for remote learning.”