Schools Reopen For Exams

Hundreds of UK schools have reopened following a week of arctic weather conditions, which forced thousands to close.

Steps have been taken to facilitate GCSE, AS Level and A Level students due to take modular exams this week.

Forecasters have warned of an "erratic" climb out of the ongoing freeze. In some parts of Britain temperatures have dipped to below -20C, with heavy snow still lying in many regions.

Rising temperature have been welcomed by roads authorities, who had warned of diminished grit supplies.

Councils issued countless road safety warnings last week as ice made many routes impassible.

Advice for drivers in Wales, the Midlands and southern England is to ensure continued care.

Chaotic spells of cold weather had so far claimed 29 lives.

Many rail and air travellers can still expect delays and cancellation and carriers deal with a backlog of passengers.

A large number of schools closed last week are now urging pupils to return to classes.

AS and A Level pupils are expected to sit exams today in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls told BBC Radio 5 live: "Schools should be opening if at all possible. We don't want risk aversion to get in the way of getting the schools open.

"Even if the schools can't open fully, we've been saying to schools for the last few days, open for exams, have the exam centre open."

(PR/BMcC)