Latest figures show that more than 95% of primary and 90% of secondary pupils are now back in school in Wolverhampton, as were nearly 86% of pupils in other provision. Overall, 92.31% of pupils were in attendance in Wolverhampton, above both the regional and national average.
Brenda Wile, Wolverhampton's Deputy Director of Education, said: "It's great to see the overwhelming majority of pupils are now back in the classroom, which is where they need to be.
"Our schools have worked hard to provide safe learning environments for children and staff, and the number of cases recorded in schools has remained low over the last few weeks.
"We want to keep it that way and, as more children return, the onus is on us all to ensure we keep infection rates down.
"School staff, families and secondary aged pupils can do this by getting themselves tested twice a week for Covid-19, and everyone can play their part by following the Hands, Face and Space guidance - washing their hands regularly, wearing a face covering on the school run and in school as required and practicing social distancing from people they don't live with or are in a bubble with.
"If everyone does this, we have a great chance of keeping Covid-19 out of our classrooms and out of our homes, and enabling even more people to return to school in the days and weeks ahead."
Anyone aged 18 or over, as well as secondary school pupils and college students, can get a free rapid test if they don't have symptoms of Covid-19, and are asked to do so twice a week.
Free rapid testing is available at the Civic Centre, Pendeford Library, The Hub at Ashmore Park and the Jamia Masjid Bilal, while free home test kits are available from the Civic Centre, Pendeford Library, The Hub at Ashmore Park, PCR test centres, the mobile Covid-19 test unit, Bilston Market, Wolverhampton Market, WV Active Aldersley, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, WV Active Central, Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre and local pharmacies offering the Pharmacy Collect service (details at Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests).
People can collect up to 2 boxes – containing a total of 14 home test kits – at a time. The kits contain step-by-step instructions enabling people to complete their test from the comfort of home. People are reminded they should register your result, even if it is negative.
Anyone who cannot access collect home test kits or get to a rapid test centre can order boxes of tests online at Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests or by calling 119, and these will be delivered to their home.
More information on rapid testing, including advice about how to take the test at home, is available at Lateral Flow Home Test Kits.
Please note, rapid testing is not available for people with coronavirus symptoms. Anyone with symptoms, including high temperature, a new or continuous cough, or a loss or taste or smell, should book a PCR test at NHS or by calling 119.
