Study shows drop in infections in secondary schools

The latest round of the Schools Infection Survey (SIS) suggests a significant reduction in the percentage of secondary school pupils and staff testing positive for COVID-19 infection since schools reopened compared to last November.

The fourth round of the SIS tested 7,271 secondary school pupils and 2,744 staff for COVID-19 infection between 15 and 31 March. The results suggest infections fell significantly among both staff and pupils compared to previous findings in November and December 2020.

In comparison to the first 2 rounds, using data from secondary schools across 11 local authorities, the latest study found the percentage of pupils testing positive (0.33%) was significantly lower than in Round 1 (1.42%) and lower than Round 2 (1.22%).

The percentage of staff testing positive (0.32%) was significantly lower than in Round 1 (1.36%) and Round 2 (1.64%).

The number of positive test results in round 4 for primary schools was too small to present due to statistical disclosure criteria.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Paediatrician at PHE and the study’s chief investigator, said: “Results of this study shows current COVID-19 infection among secondary school staff and pupils has fallen significantly from the already low levels recorded last November.

“These findings are reassuring and contribute to wider evidence that shows the risk of transmission in schools is low.

“This also indicates the importance of public health measures in schools for reducing transmission.”