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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.”