Schools to remain open after Queen’s death as government issues guidance

On September 8, the Queen passed away peacefully in her sleep at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Immediately after, Prince Charles assumed his new title of King Charles III, becoming the nation’s new ruling monarch.

The UK was also plunged into a national period of mourning, which the King has confirmed will last for 17 days as preparations are made for the Queen’s funeral.

There has been speculation that the country could get a new Bank Holiday as a result, or at the very least schools could close at some point over the next fortnight.

On the 10th day the funeral is expected to be held, as in line with Operation London Bridge, which also addresses the question of time off.

Here is everything you need to know about schools during the national period of mourning.

Will schools close after the Queen's death?

The full plans of the Queen’s funeral are still being laid out, but as the BBC reported, it is expected to take place on Monday, September 19 in Westminster Abbey.

It has not been confirmed if there will be a new Bank Holiday or nationwide day off to mark the occasion.

This includes both schools and businesses, though if the Royal Family chooses to follow Operation London Bridge closely, a day off is unlikely.

That plan, which was written up by ministers and the Queen herself, states that there would not be a newly formed day off in the advent of her death.

However, King Charles and Prime Minister Liz Truss could choose to change this and mark the unfortunate occasion with a day off.

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In the meantime, Headteachers across the country are awaiting further instruction and guidance from the Department of Education (DfE) on whether or not schools will close their doors.

London Bridge also states that there will be a two-minute silence on the day of the Queen’s funeral at midday.

If schools are open on that day, then they will be participating in the silence.

It is believed that pupils will be allowed to observe the official day of mourning on the day of the Queen’s funeral, but once again this has not been confirmed by the Palace.

The government is keen to keep disruption to schools at a minimum as they have been closed for the majority of the last two years.

Due to Covid-19, the government chose to close schools, colleges and universities throughout the most of 2020 and 2021.

Only this year has seen them return to normal, so they may chose to keep them open regardless of the mourning period.

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