In 2022 – 23, just over one in five pupils missed 10% or more of their schooling (defined as ‘persistent absence’). Pupils from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds were nearly twice as likely to be persistently absent than their classmates.
There appear to have been improvements in attendance 2023 – 24, but figures remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels: in 2018 – 19, for example, around one in ten pupils were persistently absent.
With clear links between poor attendance and poor attainment and behaviour, tackling persistent absence is an important part of improving outcomes for all pupils.
But the factors that contribute to poor attendance are complex. Pupils may not attend school because they are disengaged, or because of anxiety, bullying, or other challenges. Recent data suggests there is also a relationship between absence and distance from school.