Most vulnerable pupils did not attend school during the coronavirus lockdown despite having the opportunity to do so, an education minister has said.

Peers heard just 15 per cent of disadvantaged pupils took up the offer of emergency places, which were also open to the children of key workers.

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It came as concerns were raised over vulnerable youngsters missing out on education as a result of the pandemic, with calls for a national plan to ensure they were not “left behind”.

The government was pressed over steps being taken to tackle educational gaps arising from school closures, during a virtual House of Lords question time.

Tory frontbencher Baroness Berridge said: “We will do whatever we can to ensure that no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus.

“So far we have committed over £100 million to boost remote learning.

“We are working at pace with experts to understand and address the immediate and long-term impacts of school closures.

“This includes considering a targeted online tutoring offer and the feasibility of support over the summer.”

Labour peer Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, who raised the issue, said: “The vast majority of vulnerable children across all four nations of the UK have missed out in this homeschooling operation and the availability of school-based learning over these recent weeks.

“There’s therefore a need for a national action plan in all four nations to ensure that these vulnerable children are not left behind.

“Will the minister commit the government to... bring about the same level of effort as we have seen in the health service and in supporting business and jobs during the lockdown period, to make sure these children are able to recover their learning and deal with the trauma and potentially abuse many will have suffered during the lockdown period.”

Lady Berridge said: “Since schools closed to most pupils, teachers and support staff have been working hard to keep schools open for vulnerable children.

“Only 15 per cent of vulnerable children were taking up this offer.

“We are keenly looking at all the options to ensure that particularly disadvantaged children are given an opportunity to catch up on their learning.”