Bring back free Covid tests for exam candidates, UK schools urge

Pupils set to take first GCSEs and A-levels for three years, but invigilators are wary of working in halls with no protective measures

After the disruption of the pandemic, Helen Fields knew this Easter holiday would be a crucial time for her sons to revise for their GCSE and A-level exams. Instead, 16-year-old Solomon caught Covid and has been too unwell to concentrate, and 18-year-old Gabriel is suffering serious anxiety", having never sat high-stakes exams.

Summer term starts this week for many, but the Association of School and College Leaders union (ASCL) told the Observer that the first public exams for three years, which start on 16 May, will certainly not be a return to business as usual". The union says soaring infection rates played havoc with exam preparation last term, and their members can't see why the government won't bring back free Covid tests for these pupils, to avoid the virus spreading in exam halls.