Around 9 per cent of teachers have experienced Covid-19 symptoms, while a further 3 per cent are unsure if they have experienced them or not, according to new research.

The research, carried out by teacher wellbeing charity Education Support, found the highest proportion was in London and the West Midlands, where 13 per cent of teachers said they had experienced symptoms.

The lowest proportion was in the North East (3 per cent), while Wales and Scotland each had 6 per cent.

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The research was carried out over three weeks at the end of the summer term so the figures are likely to be higher now following the return of schools for the new academic year.

Sinéad McBrearty, CEO of Education Support, said: “As we move into the new academic year, uncertainty remains high. A resurgence of the virus may lead to renewed school closures, affecting teaching, learning and assessment and potentially the mental health and wellbeing of both staff and pupils. Even if schools do not close again, school life will be deeply affected by the need to arrange teaching and learning safely.”

The research, which also reveals teachers have felt unsupported and unappreciated during the pandemic, was carried out among 3,034 education professionals, including teachers, senior leaders, headteachers and principals in schools and colleges across the UK.

It also asked respondents what skills were needed by teachers to ensure pupils could adapt back to school life, with the most popular answer being the ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances and routines (56 per cent).

Second was the ability to adapt the curriculum to meet pupil learning (47 per cent), while 39 per cent said they needed mental health training, 32 per cent said good listening skills, and 16 per cent the ability to know when to refer to counselling.

The DfE has been contacted for comment on the research.