More than one in 10 secondary students were still not back in school last week, new data reveals.

Figures published today by the Department for Education show that 89 per cent of state secondary students were attending last Thursday (18 March). This was up from 81 per cent the previous week.

Meanwhile, 93 per cent of primary pupils were in school, down from 95 per cent on 11 March.

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Attendance in special schools was lower, on average, than in mainstream settings, standing at 83 per cent on Thursday, as it was the week before.

The DfE data also shows that the number of pupils off school for Covid-related reasons has doubled in the past week - with 127,000 children isolating after potential contact with the virus on site.

The highest reported school attendance during Covid

Overall, the 91 per cent attendance in state-funded schools in the week commencing 15 March was the highest on record during the pandemic, the DfE said.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We are delighted that school attendance last week was the highest reported attendance during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This represents a remarkable achievement by schools in putting in place a raft of safety measures which clearly have the confidence and support of parents and pupils. This is no mean feat and school leaders and staff deserve enormous credit for their work and commitment.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “Attendance in schools is now the highest it has been at any point during the pandemic, as students and staff continue to follow the protective measures set out in our guidance to reduce transmission of the virus.”