Remote learning should begin for some post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland from January 25, Education Minister Peter Weir has proposed. Special needs schools would remain open to protect vulnerable students, Mr Weir added, and virtual teaching would not include exam years. He has faced calls for changes to schools provision due to the rising coronavirus infection rate. Mr Weir told the Assembly: “Schools must also be given the time to prepare for any change. Education Minister's statement to the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee on the resumption of schools following the Christmas break + potential further actions to be taken within the education sector to limit the transmission of Covid-19 https://t.co/3mVD8SwH5Qpic.twitter.com/pyehfyIbeh— Education NI (@Education_NI) December 21, 2020