Study finds lower prevalence of coronavirus in schools

A coronavirus study has found that prevalence of the virus was lower in schools in June 2021 than in the autumn term 2020.

Round 6 of the Schools Infection Survey was carried out in June 2021 across 141 primary and secondary schools within selected local authority areas in England. The study looks at prevalence of coronavirus infection among pupils and staff sampled in schools.

The latest results from testing showed lower levels of current infection in pupils and secondary school staff than in the autumn term 2020.

The percentage of primary school pupils in school on the day of testing that tested positive was 0.27 per cent, showing very little change from Round 5 (May 2021).

In secondary schools 0.42 per cent of students tested positive, representing an increase from Round 5 but a significantly lower level than the autumn term 2020 (Round 1 and Round 2).

In secondary schools, 0.27 per cent of staff tested positive for the virus – infection was similar level to Round 4 (March 2021) and significantly lower than the autumn term 2020. For Round 6, the number of positive test results from primary school staff was too small to present due to statistical disclosure criteria.

The study also found that antibody seroconversion rates (the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results changing from negative to positive following natural infection) among primary and secondary school staff were at the lowest level recorded by the study for the academic year.

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Paediatrician at PHE and study lead, said: “Through this study we’ve closely monitored the risks of Covid-19 in schools. Latest results show that infection and antibody positivity rates of children in school did not exceed those of the community. This is reassuring and confirms that schools are not hubs of infection.

“Keeping community infection rates low remains critical for keeping children safe and schools open safely. Thanks to all staff and pupils up and down the country for playing their part in keeping transmission of the virus in schools low.”