A 16-year-old student was accidentally left behind during a Kaiapoi High School mountain biking trip after staff failed to realise he was missing when they returned to school.

The incident occurred during an Outdoor Education class at McLeans Island involving 16 students and three adults on Monday.

Kaiapoi High School Principal Jason Reid confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com, the student became separated from the group after following an incorrect trail.

“A final headcount was not conducted before the group departed the location, and the student’s absence was not noted as the group returned to school,” Reid said.

The student contacted school staff at 3.35pm.

“The school immediately instructed the student to remain in place and ensured that the student was provided with mobile data to assist with their location,” Reid said.

“The teacher in charge was notified and promptly joined the trail toward the student’s reported location.”

Emergency services were also contacted as a precaution.

“Staff maintained regular contact with both the student and their family throughout the incident,” Reid said.

A staff member eventually located the student, who was uninjured and safely returned to his family at the trailhead.

Reid said the school would hold a review meeting with the student’s family on Wednesday.

“As part of our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) protocols, we are also reviewing the incident and our processes with the assistance of the external agency, Education Outdoors New Zealand.

“We are committed to implementing any additional safeguards that result from the review and will keep our school community informed about the findings.”