Eight out of 10 teachers say pupil numbers in class “increased greatly” compared with the first lockdown, a snap poll by the Chartered College of Teaching has revealed.

This situation could risk the effectiveness of school closures and is “further proof that the current situation is unsustainable and unsafe”, Chartered College chief executive Dame Alison Peacock said.

A further 15 per cent reported that numbers increased slightly, meaning that the vast majority (95 per cent) of teachers have seen more pupils coming to school compared with the first lockdown, despite the current restrictions and rising infection levels. 

Department for Education (DfE) data showed that one in seven state-school pupils were in attendance on 11 January.

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“Every day, I hear from members that large numbers of students are still arriving at the school gates, risking the effectiveness of school closures and adding further pressure on staff,” said Dame Alison.

“This is further proof that the current situation is completely unsustainable and unsafe. We are only two weeks into the new year and our teachers are already struggling with stress and anxiety having to balance demands.

“At the same time, the insinuation that Ofsted will be used as ‘enforcers’ of remote learning, following parent complaints, will only make a difficult situation even worse. 

“Our teachers are showing great dedication, professionalism and leadership. Our communities need to work with us to support young people and keep everyone safe. We need to show trust in our teachers, they know what they are doing.” 

Less than 1 per cent of the 400 teachers polled said that pupil numbers have decreased, while 3.4 per cent said they had stayed the same.

The poll was carried out on 8 January.