The start of term in schools in Hounslow after Christmas and New Year has been delayed, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced today.

The new measures apply across all Tier Four regions.

Pupils in exam years will begin their studies on January 11, while non-exam year students are set to go back on January 18 to allow mass testing to be rolled out.

A return to primary schools has also been delayed and will not take place on Monday as planned.

The government said those in areas with high infection rates - including Hounslow - would remain closed temporarily.

Children of key workers will be able to attend school and early years provision will continue.

The announcement was made as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to surge. Brentford, along with the rest of London, was put into Tier 4 restrictions just before Christmas.