YEAR 12 students will return to on campus learning from the start of Term 4 (October 5), according to Education Minister Yvette Berry.

Ms Berry said the decision was made so Year 12 students can complete their final weeks of school and final exams and assessments.

However, she said all year 12 students, as well teachers and school staff, will have had the opportunity for priority vaccination before they return.

Year 11 students will return to on-campus learning from week three (October 18), as long as health conditions allow.

“This will allow them to complete course work and assessments that contribute to their senior secondary certificate,” Ms Berry said.

“At this stage, based on the advice of the ACT chief health officer, ACT students from preschool to year 10 will continue remote learning for at least the first four weeks of Term 4. We have seen through the current outbreak the potential for the Delta variant to spread through school-aged children.

“We will be working over the school holidays to develop further plans for a phased return to on campus learning in Term 4 when it is covid safe to do so.

“Any plans will of course be completely subject to health advice, including in relation to case numbers and vaccination rates and taking into account further consultation with students, families and staff.”