Education secretary Gavin Williamson criticiseed over 'chaotic' handling of schools return timing for new term HEAD teachers have criticised the Government’s “utterly chaotic” handling of school re-openings after a decision to close some primary schools was announced at short notice. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson on Friday confirmed that all London primary schools will remain closed next week as the capital battles with high levels of coronavirus infections. Most other primary schools are expected to still open on Monday, but secondary schools will reopen on a staggered basis, with exam year pupils returning on January 11 and others returning a week later.