Social media users share hilarious memes as millions of pupils return to the classroom

It’s like a scene out of ET! Social media users share hilarious memes as millions of pupils return to the classroom for the first time since lockdown today

  • Many children are giddy with excitement to be reunited with their classmates 
  • Coronavirus continues to cast a large shadow over today’s grand reopening 
  • Social media has been flooded with memes making light of the landmark day 

Today’s reopening of schools for millions across England has been met with excitement, nervousness and a longing for the days of lockdown lie-ins. 

Many children are giddy to be reunited with their classmates for the first time since March, when schools shut as Covid-19 cases snowballed.

But despite assurances from ministers, coronavirus continues to cast a large shadow over the first day back as some parents and staff remain uneasy about the return.

Social media has been flooded with memes making light of the landmark day in the UK’s exit from lockdown.

Both genuine and joking messages of support were offered to teachers, who are not only grappling with potential increased exposure, but also having to wake up earlier.

Others poked fun at the extent to which life has changed since schools shuttered, with one comparing the journey to school to an apocalyptic-type scene from ET, and another suggesting a Hazmat suit was the new uniform.

Here, MailOnline looks at some of the best Twitter reaction as pupils and teachers flock back to the classroom. 

One user poked fun at the extent to which life has changed since schools shuttered, with one comparing the journey to school to an apocalyptic-type scene from ET

Masks are not compulsory at schools, but some memes played on how the pandemic has flipped life upside-down

Masks are not compulsory at schools, but some memes played on how the pandemic has flipped life upside-down

Teachers, parents and pupils are grappling with coronavirus - but also having wake up earlier

Teachers, parents and pupils are grappling with coronavirus – but also having wake up earlier 

Lockdown lie-ins are now a thing of the past as people have to get up earlier to go to school

Lockdown lie-ins are now a thing of the past as people have to get up earlier to go to school

Many children are giddy with excitement to be reunited with their classmates for the first time since March, when schools were the first to shut as the pandemic gathered pace

Many children are giddy with excitement to be reunited with their classmates for the first time since March, when schools were the first to shut as the pandemic gathered pace 

Despite assurances from ministers, coronavirus continues to cast a large shadow over today's reopening as some parents and staff remain uneasy about the return

Despite assurances from ministers, coronavirus continues to cast a large shadow over today’s reopening as some parents and staff remain uneasy about the return

Harry Potter fans pointed out today coincided with the first day back to Hogwarts, with the hashtag #BackToHogwarts trending

Harry Potter fans pointed out today coincided with the first day back to Hogwarts, with the hashtag #BackToHogwarts trending

Both genuine and joking messages of support were offered to teachers heading back to lessons today

Both genuine and joking messages of support were offered to teachers heading back to lessons today

After six months out of the classroom, one user suggested his brain was frazzled after so much time away

After six months out of the classroom, one user suggested his brain was frazzled after so much time away

Members of the public rallied round teachers, who have expressed nervousness about going back to school

Members of the public rallied round teachers, who have expressed nervousness about going back to school

A scene from Friends with the caption: 'You got this' to send a show of support to teachers

A scene from Friends with the caption: ‘You got this’ to send a show of support to teachers

Messages of good luck were offered to those going back to school for the first time since March

Messages of good luck were offered to those going back to school for the first time since March

Social media has been flooded with memes making light of the landmark day in the UK's lockdown exit

Social media has been flooded with memes making light of the landmark day in the UK’s lockdown exit