Concerns have been raised that rapid response Covid-19 tests are providing too many false positives, therefore 'ruining' the return of students to UK schools.

It has been reported that pupils are testing positive with on-the-spot Covid tests, isolating, and then testing negative with more reliable lab tests.

The Royal Statistical Society has said that more of the new positive cases recorded in schools by rapid testing methods could be inacurate than accurate.

It is believed this is the case because infection rates are currently low.

Meanwhile, the Government has released a new analysis reassuring the public that lateral flow tests have a specificity of at least 99.9 per cent when used to test in the community.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: "This new data further confirms what we know – these rapid tests are extremely accurate and are helping dramatically curb COVID cases. On Monday alone, we conducted over 1.5 million tests.

"Around one in 3 people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but may still be infectious. This means they could be spreading the virus without realising it.

"Rapid testing can help detect asymptomatic cases quickly, preventing the virus from entering schools, colleges or workplaces, and stopping outbreaks before they occur."