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The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented measures being taken to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Due to its multiple social, educational, economic and health impacts, the almost universal closure of schools worldwide during the first lockdown was undoubtedly one of the most striking measures in the management of this pandemic. One year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 800 million students, or more than half of the world’s school population, are still facing major disruptions to their education, ranging from total school closures to reduced or part-time school hours. Drawing on the scientific data available, consideration of the varied responses proposed in different countries, and the experiences of professionals in the field worldwide, this article analyses the main issues involved in closing and reopening schools, from decision-making to practical implementation in the field. This approach allows us to draw out the first lessons from the crisis and to call for the emergence and sharing, well beyond the school environment, of an educational approach to health. On this basis, it is the production of relevant national frameworks for reflection and the empowerment of local actors that will make it possible to protect pupils, prevent the development of epidemics and maintain a quality educational process.