As schools across the UK prepare to return over the next few days, the education secretary said children must return to a normal experience.

This is despite a predicted increase in Covid cases as pupils start to mix again, as reported by Sky.

Gavin Williamson said regular testing would be key to keeping on top of infection rates in schools. He told Sky it is a balance between giving children a normal school experience and recognising that the pandemic is still an issue.

The education secretary confirmed that there is capacity to vaccinate 12 to 15-year-olds and this wouldn't cause problems with providing a booster jab for the most vulnerable members of the population.

He said the government wants to avoid a return to year group bubbles and sending entire year groups home if a child becomes infected, but that the government does have contingency plans in place if needed.

Here in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire College has confirmed it will be open as usual for all students and apprentices.

Writing on the college's website, principal Matthew Burgess, said: "We will continue to monitor the government guidance and will implement any new procedures expected to always ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and students.

"I look on the past two years with pride in the GC community; how they continued to rise to unexpected challenges, continued to support each other and remained positive and proactive throughout. And I look to the future with positivity, knowing that GC will continue to be a safe and inspiring place for people to achieve and succeed."