Joshua, 15 caala, 17

Joshua Okai from London admits: “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I want to go back to school.

“I’m in Year 11, GCSE year, and I’m having online classes with my teachers. These are definitely more effective than in the first lockdown, however it doesn’t compare to being in a classroom.

“Unlike face-to-face lessons, it’s hard to ask for help as the teacher has to stop and this holds up the rest of the class. I don’t think it’s fair.

“Not knowing when we’re going back is very agitating. It would be a great relief if they could simply tell us what the plan is, give us a date.”

Molly, 13

“Doing school work at home can get stressful,” says Molly Anderson from Inverness. “We’re given all of our work on Monday and things can pile up. I’m worried I’ll be behind when we go back to school. I always try to be positive and it feels more relaxed working in my room in my pyjamas.

“Lunches are so much tastier now I make what I like.

“My work doesn’t feel as rushed as I don’t have the bell to interrupt me and evenings are my own because we don’t have homework. I miss my friends a lot but my mum is so good and patient at helping me.”

Caala Santana, from London, misses school more than she expected.

She says: “You’d think we’d jump at the chance of a break from school.

“I, like my peers, didn’t consider the long hours stooped over our computers, the disconnected cameras and muted microphones, and the toll that this has on our mental health.

“Online school simply is no match. I’m grateful for our teachers’ efforts to provide the best alternative.

“Yet nothing can beat a face-toface lesson in the classroom surrounded by my peers.”

ted, 7

“Home school is definitely more boring than school!” says Ted Althorpe, from Weldon, Northants, who has been enjoying the perks of online learning, but he misses his friends.

Ted says: “I’m missing school, especially playtime with my friends.

“I like that I am able to do online lessons and see my friends and teachers every day. And I am enjoying having shorter lessons at home and having more free time.”