SCHOOLCHILDREN and college students in Thurrock are set to remain at home until at least March after the government announced this afternoon "it will not be possible" to reopen schools in England after the half-term break next month.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a final decision would depend on meeting vaccination targets and schools would get two weeks' notice but it was now anticipated that schools would not open their doors for young people other than those who are vulnerable or children of key workers until 8 March.

It would be "frustrating" for pupils, teachers and parents, he acknowledged.