Although there hasn’t been an official Department of Basic Education announcement on the reopening of schools, a leaked post-lockdown recovery draft plan has revealed that a phased-in resumption of the school year from 6 May, according to pupils’ grades, is on the cards.

News24 has seen the draft plan, which contains the basic education department logo and the heading “Phasing in Approach” and it indicates that pupils in grades 12 and 7 could return on 6 May, followed by grades 11 and 6 on 20 May.

Grades 10 and 5 then follow on 3 June, grades 9 and 4 on the 17 June, and grades 8 and 3 on 1 July.

The document further shows grades 2, 1 and R returning last on 8 and 15 July.

In a written response to journalists’ questions, the education ministry said it was not in a position to elaborate because plans were still being ironed out.

“The schools will return in phases but the details will be announced by the Minister of Basic Education in due course,” it said.