The future of school exams this summer has been placed into doubt.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson told a Covid briefing this week that the government had taken the ’difficult decision’ to close schools and nurseries.

Children can contract the virus and often remain asymptomatic, he said.

Nine primary schools and all five state secondary schools have reopened as hubs for vulnerable children and those of key workers.

Most children will be learning from home through remote teaching provision. ’Parents should not have to become teachers themselves,’ said the Minister.

Teachers had been preparing for mock exams but are now switching to remote learning.

UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that Ofqual-regulated GCSEs and A levels in England will not be taking place this year.

Dr Allinson said his department had been in regular communication with the Cambridge International Assessment Board to clarify whether iGCSEs and A Levels will be going ahead or whether there will be a switch to teacher assessment.

He said: ’We will ensure all Isle of Man students will be on a level playing field with their UK compatriots.’

Dr Allinson said it was vitally important that all students continue to learn and keep up with their course work and assessments.

The Education Minister said university students who were planning to go back across to resume their studies should contact their faculty.

He said many courses were now being made available online and some colleges were deterring students from returning in January.

But he said those that do choose to go back to university should have no problems doing so.

He said the starting date for universities will be staggered over January.

The Minister said: ’We don’t know any Isle of Man student who has been hindered in any way going back to university.’

He accepted it was an area of concern but any students who run into problems or are anxious about returning are advised to contact their faculty and/or the department.

Students have previously been asked to apply for exemption certificates for travel. Some have already gone back.