HEADTEACHERS in Dorset have said they will not force students to wear face masks, despite the government's latest U-turn on the policy, as students prepare to return to classrooms.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson abandoned advice that pupils should not wear face masks in secondary schools in the face of growing pressure from headteachers, teaching unions and medical experts.

Face coverings will be mandatory in communal areas and corridors for children in towns and cities that are subject to stricter coronavirus restrictions.

But headteachers in less affected areas of England - including Dorset - will be able to make their own decision over the use of face masks in their schools.

Nigel Evans, principal at Weymouth College, said: "We are probably going to leave it as an option, so if people feel safer wearing them then by all means they can do it. We aren't going to impose it on them.

"Everything is changing on a daily basis so we are trying to keep everyone up to date. The important thing is we want people to feel as safe as possible."

Lesley Bishop and Melissa Heppell, principals at Atlantic Academy on Portland, said: ''Our advice for secondary pupils and their parents is that they carry a mask as they may need it on the way to and from school, for example if they need to go into a shop or use public transport.

"However, we will not be insisting that they wear it in school. Aspirations Academies in Dorset are not in areas of greater prevalence of Covid-19. Obviously if this changes then our advice will change.''

Councillor Andrew Parry, portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “We welcome this decision which gives headteachers the ability to decide whether pupils should wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas. These would not be used in classrooms or normal teaching activity. The decision on whether to use face coverings for children over 11 in general circulation areas would be made taking account of the measures already planned to minimise infection in schools. Factors heads will consider will include size and use of corridors and other spaces and how children are maintained in discrete groups while moving round the school. The current rate of COVID cases in Dorset remains low and schools are working with Dorset Council and Public Health Dorset on measures to help maintain this situation. In line with Department for Education guidance, decisions will be made locally with support and advice from Public Health Dorset colleagues.”