The UK is bracing itself for school reopening amid concerns and fears of a virus spike, even as politicians reiterate the urgent need for children to return to their regular schedule. This report delves into the fears and concerns of Britons as they prepare for this return to normalcy. Politicians, as well as school authorities, can leverage this data in their decision making.

Will children be safe in schools? is the all-important question that Britons are debating as millions of pupils return to school this week after months of lockdown. The reopening will also a crucial test for the government that has not only plowed through this decision with a silent hope for economic revival as parents return to work but which has also been battling intense criticism following the recent exam debacle. Amid the anger and ongoing pandemic concern, how comfortable are Britons with the idea of seeing children back in schools? Piplsay polled 12,161 people across the country to get these answers. Here’s a summary of what we found:

Other Insights

• 54% of Millennial working parents are comfortable sending their children to school as compared to 46% of Gen Zer parents
• 53% of men trust schools to keep their pupils safe in both classrooms and buses as compared to 47% of women
• 59% of Millennials and 47% of Gen Xers worry school-going children will be more at risk during the winter season
• 42% of women and 49% of men think it is fair to impose fine on parents who keep their children out of school

Survey Methodology: This Piplsay survey (powered by Market Cube) was conducted nationwide in the UK from August 29-30, 2020. We received 12,161 online responses from individuals aged 18 years and older.