Teachers in English state schools are nearly twice as likely as those in independent schools to report high staff absences due to Covid, a report from the Sutton Trust suggests, The Evening Standard reports.
The TeacherTapp survey of nearly 7,000 teachers in schools across England found that around 20 per cent of state school teachers but only 12 per cent of independent school teachers reported that one in 10 or more of their colleagues were absent due to Covid.
For state school teachers working in the most deprived areas, this figure was 29 per cent.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: “While most children are now back at school, disruption is continuing with schools heavily impacted by Covid-related staff absences.”
He added: “We must do all we can to ensure that poorer pupils are not further disadvantaged as a result of this disruption.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), said: “The pandemic has impacted all schools and we absolutely support assistance for those hardest hit.
“We all want more funding for state schools and greater support for underperforming pupils, which is why we encourage the ongoing development of partnership working between schools.”