Updated: 25 Feb 2021, 10:40 Invalid Date, FACE masks and Covid tests will not be compulsory in secondary schools when kids return on March 8. The Government has said both measures are "voluntary" and that teachers should not send pupils home for refusing. Follow our UK politics live blog for the very latest news and updates... 2 Face masks and Covid tests will not be compulsory in secondary schools when kids return on March 8Credit: Getty Images - Getty Boris Johnson announced this week that secondary school kids are to be tested twice a week under fresh plans to get children back in the classroom in England next month.