It's fair to say that the last year has been tough on school pupils.

It has almost been twelve months since schools were closed to everyone but the children of key workers and the most vulnerable pupils during the first Covid lockdown.

And whilst some pupils went back in June, for most, it was September before they stepped back into the classroom.

Even then, there was uncertainty. The Gazette has reported how numerous schools were forced to send year groups home after Covid cases were reported as infection rates rose in the autumn.

After Christmas, pupils were back for just a day before Boris Johnson announced the third Covid lockdown, and a return to home schooling for most.

Teachers and school staff have been magnificent throughout, and have had their work cut out to be able to still run lessons amidst all of the uncertainty.

But with Easter approaching, teachers, parents that have turned into lockdown teachers and pupils will all be looking forward to a couple of weeks break.

Here’s when the Easter bank holiday will fall in 2021 - and when we can expect schools to be off.

In 2021, Easter will fall on Sunday, April 4, which is earlier than 2020, with Easter Sunday falling on April 12. 

Good Friday will fall on Friday, April 2, Easter Monday will be Monday, April 5.

Good Friday and Easter Monday are both bank holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland.

In Hampshire, pupils will break up on Thursday, April 1 - the day before Good Friday.

The two week break will see pupils go back to school on Monday, April 19.

After that, the summer half term will last from May 31 to June 4, with pupils breaking up for the summer holidays on July 23.