At every stage since the start of the pandemic, decisions across education and childcare have been informed by the scientific and medical evidence -- both on the risks of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, transmission and illness, and on the known risks to children and young people not attending education settings -- balancing public health and education considerations. This report sets out the evidence informing the Government's decision to revisit the guidance on the use of face coverings within secondary schools and colleges in England -- temporarily extending their recommended use in communal areas to also include classrooms and teaching spaces for those in year 7 and above. In making this decision, the Government has balanced education and public health considerations, including the benefits in managing infection and transmission, against any educational and wider health and wellbeing impacts from the recommended use of face coverings. Evidence shows that face coverings can contribute to reducing transmission of COVID19 primarily by reducing the emission of virus-carrying particles when worn by an infected person. The government will continue to evaluate the data relating to all COVID-19 measures, including in education settings.