Ex-Education Secretary Admits Flawed Covid School Closure Planning, Calls Decision-Making 'Panicked'
October 14, 2025
Williamson expressed regret over the department’s response, acknowledging it was not sharp enough and that he, as secretary of state, bears responsibility.
He described the rapid shift from planning to keep schools open to announcing closures in March 2020 as confusing, noting that early considerations of closures existed but were overshadowed by instructions to keep schools open.
The inquiry outlined the complex timeline of school closures, phased reopenings, lockdowns, and exam cancellations across the UK, highlighting the reactive nature of the response.
Former UK Education Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson admitted that the Department for Education's planning for Covid school closures was flawed, citing a lack of clear pre-pandemic plans and insufficient response to scientific advice.
Williamson acknowledged that early advice from bodies like Sage suggested school closures as an option, but the government hesitated, leading to delayed planning and unpreparedness, which he now regrets.
He described the decision to close and reopen primary schools in January 2021 as 'panicked' and criticized the government's handling, including last-minute planning and poor consultation.
The inquiry panel heard from experts, including Sir Jon Coles, who called the lack of early planning an 'extraordinary dereliction of duty,' though Williamson disagreed.
Williamson admitted that the grading model in 2020 and 2021 was flawed, acknowledging some students received unfair grades, and blamed the resistance of Ofqual.
He highlighted that the government's focus on keeping schools open limited the department's ability to plan for closures, despite some internal preparations.
It also explored issues related to exam grading and school reopening strategies, emphasizing the difficult decision-making environment and conflicts between health and education priorities.
Williamson criticized the May 2020 phased reopening plan, describing it as unfeasible and misleading, and called the January 2021 closures a failure to prioritize children's welfare.
He also addressed the challenges of summer 2020 exam grading, criticizing the approach used and blaming Ofqual for resisting teacher assessments.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

Oxford Mail • Oct 14, 2025
Sir Gavin Williamson: ‘Many mistakes made’ with Covid school closures