Frome College will not be opening its doors to pupils on Monday - except for children who are vulnerable or whose parents are critical workers - with the key exam year now aiming for a return on January 11.

The government has today imposed what it calls " The education contingency framework " which imposes a staggered return for secondary schools and colleges by one week.

On the Department of Education web site the government gave its reasoning for the decision, saying that from tomorrow 78 per cent of the population will be in Tier 4 which will include Frome. Between 18 and 24 December theweekly case ratein England roseto402.6 per 100,000, a 32 per cent increase on the previous week.

In response to this "concerning" data, and to supress the spread of the virus, protect public health and save lives, the contingency framework for education, first published in November, will be implemented in areas of the country with very high rates of incidence or transmission of the virus.

Where the contingency framework is implemented, secondary schools and further education colleges should only allow vulnerable children, children of critical workers, and exam students to attend.

The framework also includes an option to move primary schools if they see increased rates of incidence or transmission of the virus in a local area.

In a letter to parents Frome College has said that Year 13, that's A level year, should expect virtual or pre-recorded lessons and learning to commence on Tuesday 5th January.

The D of E adds that the decision to close primary schools will be based on higher thresholds than for secondary schools and colleges and will only be taken as a last resort. Early years will remain open nationally, as will alternative provision and special schools.

In areas not subject to the contingency framework, early years, primary schools, alternative provision and special schools will all return to face-to-face education from the start of term as planned, with individual special schools having some flexibility.

Evidence shows the new strain of coronavirus is increasing in the South West, Midlands and parts of the North West. Infection rates have increased faster than expected in these areas where the new strain has been circulating and stronger measures are required to get the virus under control.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: " In the face of a rapidly changing situation, I am determined to act to preserve lives and the NHS, as we continue to protect education and put children first.

"We are making changes to the start of term to give more time for the rollout of our first-of-its-kind rapid testing programme to identify students who have the virus but don't display any symptoms. On top of the existing protective measures in place, this will help keep education settings as safe as possible for all students.

"The fact that we have kept education running so successfully throughout the entire pandemic is due to the incredible dedication of all our teachers, leaders and support staff and I want to thank them once more for everything they continue to do to keep children learning as safely as possible."