The long awaited return to school has been cut short for thousands of students in England and Wales due to coronavirus outbreaks.

Across the two countries at least 339 schools have shut completely or sent some pupils home after positive coronavirus tests.

The alarming figure has been reached as a head teachers union warns that the number of pupils who have to self-isolate could increase and more schools may have to close as winter approaches.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said disruption to pupils’ education could worsen in the months to come.

He said: “While only a small number of schools have had to close because of outbreaks, we are regularly hearing reports of groups of pupils and staff having to self-isolate in response to positive cases.

“The concern is that this disruption will worsen as winter approaches.

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