Less than 10% of Luton children in school before holidays

The Education Policy Institute said the figures, which show the vast majority of pupils across England were absent, confirm children have suffered "significant learning loss" during the coronavirus lockdown.

Since asking schools to close on March 20 to all but vulnerable children and those of critical workers, the Department of Education conducted a weekly survey of schools, colleges and nurseries to track attendance rates.

The final survey on July 16 shows 63% of schools were open in Luton with 8% of the area's children present.

The area had a lower attendance than the national rate for England of 16%. Approximately 1.5 million children were in school on the day throughout the country – down from 1.6 million a week before, which was the largest number since lockdown began.

Local data is only available for the most recent survey.

The EPI think tank said the most disadvantaged pupils are likely to have been hit the hardest.

Natalie Perera, executive director and head of research at the organisation, said getting students back into the classroom in September is vital, but comes with a number of risks, particularly around social distancing.

She added: "Schools will have gained experience from having some pupils present since March, but the reality is the situation next month will be vastly different to what we have seen so far, with an array of additional challenges.

"Big questions remain about the level of risk that school staff, pupils, and their families are being asked to take."

The Government asked schools across England to welcome back children in nursery, reception and years 1 and 6, from June 1.

Two weeks later, year 10 and 12 students were allowed in to supplement their learning from home, but numbers were limited to reduce the risk of infection.

Plans for all primary pupils to return were dropped but schools were allowed to make their own decision about admitting more children.

On July 16 in Luton, 61% of primary schools were open, compared to 58% of secondary schools – though any which failed to respond to the survey were assumed closed.

Attendance rates that day ranged from 23% in year 6, to 7% in year 10 and year 12.