ALL schools in England will close by the end of the week, it has been announced.

The move has been taken in response to the coronavirus pandemic and comes after both Scotland and Wales announced the same measures earlier today (March 18).

Boris Johnson had told MPs during Prime Minister's Questions that further decisions on schools were "to be taken imminently", and this evening he and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed the closures in England would come into force at the end of the school day on Friday.

Mr Williamson said: "They will remain closed until further notice."

Mr Williamson added schools will be closed to all pupils except children of key workers and the most vulnerable.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “exams will not take place as planned in May and June” as a result of the announcement.