Primary schools reopening their doors to more pupils in the week beginning 1 June took in a higher proportion of Year 6 pupils than of either of the two younger eligible age groups, new figures show.

Data released by the Department for Education shows that, on average, nearly two in five Year 6 pupils (38 per cent) in opening schools returned between Monday 1 June and Thursday 4 June, compared with less than a third of Reception pupils (30 per cent), and just a quarter of children in Year 1 (25 per cent).

It was revealed on Tuesday last week that just over half of eligible schools in England opened to more year groups from 1 June in line with government plans.

Data: Half of eligible schools opened more widely in week beginning 1 June

Coronavirus: School reopening day attendance at 40-70%

Research: School staff numbers down by a quarter, survey predicts

The figures were collected as children in England began returning to school in a phased process, with nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils heading back first.

Coronavirus: Reopening primary schools

The new data shows that the number of children from priority year groups attending school rose each day in the week commencing 1 June.

However, the proportion of pupils in attendance varied significantly by year group.

From Monday 1 June to Thursday 4 June, the proportion of Year 6 children attending open schools ranged from 37.3 per cent to 39.1 per cent.

This compares with a range of 24 to 25.6 per cent for Year 1, 29.2 to 31 per cent for Reception, and 17.6 to 18.6 per cent for nursery.

The statistics showing the number of children attending open schools last week are due to be released later today.