Primary school education affected by the COVID pandemic

In data published on September 10 by the government, key stage 2 attainment for children in Wiltshire has dropped since the period of 2018-19.

While there was only a one per cent fall in year two children reaching the expected phonics standards in Wiltshire in 2022-23 (89 per cent down from 90 per cent), key stage two pupils' reading writing and maths levels have dropped further.

Since the pandemic, the proportion of children performing to the expected level falling from 64 per cent to 56 per cent.

This is lower than the UK average, with 60 per cent of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2022-23 – down from 65 per cent in 2018-19.

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However, Wiltshire is not alone in this, as only seven areas saw a rise in children's phonics skills following the pandemic.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We want to make sure that children from all over the country, regardless of background, have the same opportunities to succeed and attain the highest levels.

Children's reading, writing and maths levels have dropped since the pandemic (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

"We have made almost £5 billion available since 2020 for education recovery initiatives, including high quality tutoring for the children who need the most support.

"We are also supporting disadvantaged pupils through the pupil premium, which is rising to almost £2.9 billion in 2024-25, the highest in cash terms since this funding began."

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Absence levels have also seen a change in Wiltshire. Persistent absence rates have jumped from 12.1 per cent in the 2019 autumn term to 18.4 per cent last year.

The proportion of pupils missing at least half of classes has also risen significantly, with 2 per cent of children in Wiltshire missing 50 per cent or more of their school sessions last autumn.

James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said attendance has declined significantly since the pandemic, fuelled by factors including rising anxiety and poor mental health, poverty, challenges at home, and under-resourced support for children with special educational needs.

Mr Bowen said: "It’s vital children attend school whenever possible ­– pupils can easily miss crucial steps in their learning if they’re absent."

The figures led the Education Secretary to label high truancy rates an "epidemic".