The number of pupils attending school this term has increased dramatically compared with the first lockdown, according to new Department for Education (DfE) attendance data.

DfE figures released today show that attendance on 13 January was 21 per cent in state-funded primary schools, 5 per cent in state-funded secondary schools and 30 per cent in state-funded special schools.

This is higher than March to May 2020, when on-site attendance was approximately 4 per cent in state-funded primaries, 1 per cent in state-funded secondaries and 8 per cent in state-funded special schools in May 2020.

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The increased attendance has put schools “under tremendous pressure”, a headteachers’ union has warned.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “They have to juggle face-to-face teaching for those in school with remote education for those at home.

“It has also raised concerns about how many children it is safe to have in schools during a time in which the prime minister has advised people to stay at home and save lives. We still haven’t had a clear answer from the government on this crucial question.”