94 per cent of primary school children back in class
New data shows the full scale of national school returns, with 94% of primary school children and 89% of secondary school students back in class as of Monday 15 March.
Primary schools opened to all pupils on Monday 8 March, while secondary schools had the option to stagger the return of their students over the week beginning 8 March to help facilitate testing for students before they returned to education.
The asymptomatic rapid testing programme is helping stop outbreaks in their tracks and reducing transmission within schools.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "It is fantastic to see the overwhelming majority of children have now returned to the classroom, with all the benefits that face-to-face contact with their teachers and friends is proven to bring.
"I do not underestimate the preparation that has taken place to ensure our children could return safely and continue with their education and I am so grateful to the teachers and school staff who have made the transition so seamless – as well as managing testing and maintaining all the wider protective measures still in place to help keep everyone safe."
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