At present class sizes are capped at 15, which means most schools do not have the space or teaching staff to open fully.
But from September the cap is expected to be raised to 30, meaning schools can operate more normally, as long as the different “bubbles” are separated from each other.
Vicky Bingham, head of South Hampstead High School, said: “I have been waiting for this confirmation for some time and am really excited. I have a letter ready to go for our community.”
Emma Pattison, head of Croydon High School, said: “Expanding bubbles to 30 will be great. It means we are back to normal sizes.
“We are so excited and really looking forward to it. Home learning has been going really well but it is not the same as being at school.”
She said it has been an “absolute joy” watching children return to school over the past few weeks. But she warned that the use of bubbles makes providing after-school care and a choice of lunchtime clubs more difficult because children must stay with their classmates.
Timothy Barnes, the Westminster council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We would welcome the decision to expand the size of class bubbles in September. It’s extremely important children of all year groups are able to get back to school as soon as possible to improve their education and for their emotional well-being.”
As well as class bubbles of 30 for primary schools, the Government is expected to announce year group bubbles for secondary schools.
Business Minister Nadhim Zadawi today told Sky News that the Government will “make sure” all pupils will be back in school full time from September.
The department for education refused to confirm the plans, saying official guidance will be published next week.
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “Leaks of proposals for school reopening in September are not helpful. Schools and parents need to see from Government a clearly thought-out plan outlining the scientific reasoning behind a return for all pupils.”
Currently some children in reception, and years 1, 6, 10 and 12 are back at school. Latest data shows approximately 1.1 million children attended school last Thursday, which is just 12.2 per cent of pupils who normally attend.