Living with lockdown restrictions has affected every aspect of our lives – from work and socialising to shopping and schooling.
So it’s understandable to have mixed feelings about the "new normal", and be excited to see friends and family again but nervous too.
According to a survey conducted with Very.co.uk, worries about going back are outweighed by parents not wanting their children to fall behind on schoolwork.
The Very Big Family Life Survey showed their biggest concern was how missing timetabled lessons has affected their progress.
This was particularly an issue for children preparing for secondary school – 81 per cent of parents with 10 and 11-year-olds said they were worried they’d fallen behind during lockdown.
Not surprisingly, protecting their children and the rest of the family from the virus was also a factor.
More than half of parents with kids and younger teens had concerns that social distancing wouldn’t be enforced, and two in three were anxious about them bringing it home.
Despite that, with the added pressure of home schooling, the vast majority are relieved to be handing full-time teaching back to professionals.
They’re also looking forward to everyone getting along better – more than 60 per cent thought kids being back at school would be good for their relationship.
And they can take reassurance from parents who’ve already been through it.
Those whose children have already gone back feel far more positive about it, with over three quarters saying their children are happier.
Ian Young, principal of Rainford High School in Merseyside, says students and parents can feel confident schooling will remain unchanged.
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"I think the main concerns are about school being safe and how lessons will be different because of new safety measures. Schools will let parents know what will be in place, and most will have a way for parents and students to ask questions beforehand."
The benefits of returning should, he says, outweigh fears: "Students will have the support and guidance of their teachers and become part of a community again.
"It’s also a chance to reconnect with friends and classmates, and consider some of the massive social changes we are in the midst of."
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For uniforms, coats, shoes, bags and other back to school essentials go to Very.co.uk.
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