Secondary school kids must wear masks on school buses or face a ban from next week.

All secondary school and college pupils will need to wear face coverings on school buses from Monday (December 7) after a change in government advice.

The new rules apply to all pupils aged 11 or over unless they are medically exempt.

Crucially, if pupils are caught not wearing masks three times and there is no record of exemption, they will be banned from the services for two weeks.

Pupils travelling on SEND transport will not be included in this new policy, as the majority of children fall into the category of being excluded from wearing face coverings. 

However, Wiltshire Council is encouraging those passengers with SEND who can wear a face covering, to do so.

Cabinet member for highways, Bridget Wayman said: “We know a large number of our students have been wearing face coverings on our school transport and I want to thank them for their responsible attitude.

“We have written to all our students using dedicated school buses and we want to thank them and their parents in advance for taking this new direction on board.

“We are working with our schools and they will be able to issue medically exempt passes to those families who need it. I am sure for both passengers and drivers this new direction is welcomed to help keep everyone safe.”

According to the council, letters are being sent out to parents to update them on the new guidance.

Posters will also be displayed on school buses to remind pupils of the change in rules.