Full Breakdown
Boris Johnson's Testimony on School Closures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
10/22/2025, 6:03:53 AM
Overview of the Inquiry
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently provided evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, focusing on the government's handling of school closures and the subsequent impact on children during the pandemic. His testimony addressed criticisms regarding the lack of planning for these closures and the controversial exam grading system implemented in 2020.
Key Events and Decisions
In March 2020, as COVID-19 began to spread rapidly, schools across the UK were closed, with the announcement made on March 18. Johnson described the decision to close schools as a "nightmare idea" and expressed a personal horror at the thought of shuttering classrooms. He acknowledged that children paid a "huge price" during the pandemic, stating, "It felt to me as though children who are not particularly vulnerable to Covid were paying a huge, huge price to protect the rest of society."
Johnson's testimony revealed that discussions about potential school closures began as early as February 2020, with the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) addressing the issue. He insisted that it was "obvious" that the Department for Education (DfE) should have been preparing for such eventualities, despite former Education Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson's claim that he had not commissioned any planning for closures.
Exam Grading Controversy
A significant aspect of Johnson's testimony was the government's exam grading system, which utilized an algorithm that resulted in 40% of predicted grades being downgraded. This led to widespread public outcry and a subsequent U-turn, allowing students to receive grades based on teacher assessments. Johnson admitted that the system "plainly let down a lot of kids" and described it as a "disaster," acknowledging that the government had "got the wrong initial model."
During the inquiry, Johnson expressed regret over the exam grading process, stating, "You try coming up with a system to give a fair exam result when they can't sit exams. It's not easy, ok." He also revealed that he had been in a "homicidal mood" during the grading scandal and considered sacking Williamson over the fiasco.
Criticism and Opposition
Johnson's testimony faced criticism from various quarters. Liberal Democrat schools spokeswoman Caroline Voaden remarked that Johnson should be embarrassed to label Williamson's efforts as "heroic," calling it an insult to teachers and healthcare workers who faced significant challenges during the pandemic. Dan Paskins from Save the Children UK emphasized that the government's rushed decisions had "damaged a generation of children," stating, "No amount of regret will undo the harm that has been done."
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the inquiry's findings, Johnson maintained that the government had engaged in discussions about school closures and that the DfE was preparing for them. He stated, "I just think that it was obvious that there had to be consideration of closing schools." However, he also acknowledged that the "full horror" of the pandemic was slow to dawn on the government.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The inquiry continues to explore the long-term effects of school closures on children, with Johnson asserting that future lockdowns should be a "measure of last resort." As the inquiry progresses, it aims to identify lessons learned from the pandemic to inform future educational policies and crisis management strategies. The ramifications of the decisions made during this period are expected to influence how the UK prepares for similar challenges in the future.
