Face masks will no longer be required in 'classrooms and communal areas' in the Isle of Wight's secondary schools, from Monday.

The change is among new rules announced by the government yesterday and due to come into force on May 17.

At a press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We will no longer require face coverings in classrooms, or for students in communal areas, in secondary schools and colleges.”

Some teaching unions have called for masks to stay until June 21.

However, not all Island schools have required them in the classroom since the rule was brought in before Easter and some children are exempt.

Many secondary school students have voluntarily been taking twice-weekly lateral flow tests, which are designed to pick up the Covid-19 infection in people without symptoms.

Mr Johnson also announced that schools will be able “to organise trips with overnight stays.”

The Department for Education (DfE) is recommending that schools and colleges do not plan for international visits to take place before the start of the next academic year.