Hull schools likely to re-open on a phased basis from next month Top education official admits worries still remain but students with exams could be priority Schools in Hull are expected to start returning next month (Image: Danny Lawson / PA) Hull's most senior education official says she expects schools will re-open on a phased basis once lockdown measures are eased. But the city council's director fo children's services Pauline Turner admits there remains a "large nervousness" around the issue of children returning to the classroom. Prime MInister Boris Johnson has already said he hopes it will be safe to start re-opening schools and colleges from March 8.