State schools more heavily impacted by staff absences than private schools

State schools are being more heavily impacted by covid-related staff absences than private schools, with state school teachers almost twice as likely to report that one in 10 or more of their colleagues were absent due to covid (20% vs 12%).

This is according to new Sutton Trust research with Teacher Tapp, which gives an overview of the impact of covid on English schools at the start of this term.

Staff absences were more pronounced in the most deprived state schools, which were almost three times more likely than private schools to report that one in 10 or more of their staff were absent (29% vs 12%). This further highlights the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the most disadvantaged students.

As a consequence of this disruption, almost a quarter of state school teachers have prepared materials for online learning in the last week. However, 29% of state schools reported that more than 10% of their isolating pupils still don’t have access to devices for remote learning, a figure which rose to 48% in the most deprived state schools. While the picture on remote learning has improved since January 2021, many schools are still struggling to access devices for their pupils.

This research also highlights differences in staff absences by region, with schools in the North West reporting the highest levels of absences, followed by Yorkshire and the North East. Across the country, roughly 4% of teachers were isolating due to covid this on Monday 10th January.

Teachers were also asked about other issues caused by the current wave of the pandemic. The most common issue raised by state schools was non-teaching staff having to cover lessons due to staff absences (28%). Almost one in 10 (8%) teachers said that more than one class was being taught together due to staff shortages. A similar proportion said that staff were unable to come in due to lack of access to lateral flow or PCR test, with access to adequate tests more of an issue in the most deprived state schools.

This research highlights the ongoing challenges facing schools, particularly those serving the most disadvantaged communities. The Sutton Trust is calling on the government to urgently ensure that all pupils have access to a device for remote learning and that schools have adequate funding to pay for cover for absent staff.

The continuing disruption also strengthens the case for a more comprehensive education recovery plan, with support targeted at disadvantaged pupils who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Further support, tied to long term monitoring of learning loss, is needed to ensure attainment gaps don’t widen further. With exams likely to go ahead this year, colleges, universities and employers making decisions on the basis of exam grades should give extra consideration for those who have suffered the greatest impacts of the pandemic on their learning.