ALL schools in Warrington will close from Friday, the education secretary has announced.

In the last few moments from the House of Commons, Gavin Williamson has confirmed that schools and colleges will close from Friday until further notice.

It is expected that individual schools and colleges will contact parents directly with more information.

There will be an exception for children of key workers including NHS staff, police, delivery drivers and 'vulnerable' children.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also confirmed that GCSE and A-level exams will not take place as usual in May and June.

Vouchers will be given to pupils who are entitled to free school meals.

Schools in Wales and Scotland had already announced earlier today, Wednesday that they would be closing at the end of the week.

READ > Catch up with all the latest coronavirus updates in Warrington today here

Senior figures in government expressed concerns that closing all schools too soon would put a strain on the health service as workers would be forced to take time off to look after them.

This morning, Padgate Academy emailed parents to say that the school would be closed until Friday for pupils in year eight and year 10 due to staff shortages. 

Birchwood High School is also already partially closed to pupils due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Year eight and nine pupils are being told to stay at home, with absences also being authorised for any other students who are self-isolating.