The FFT Education Datalab has reviewed pupil absence data from the start of September through to 25 October 2024, covering approximately 2,500 secondary and 6,000 primary schools across England. Their analysis highlights several key trends in pupil attendance. We highly recommend you read the full details of Katie Beynon’s article; please visit the FFT Education DataLab website.
End-of-Year Figures for 2023/24
When looking at the full academic year, persistent absence (defined as missing 10% or more sessions) decreased slightly compared to the previous year, with a more notable improvement seen in primary schools. However, severe absence (missing 50% or more sessions) edged up slightly in both primary and secondary schools. Both types of absences remain well above pre-pandemic levels, particularly in secondary schools.
Trends in the Current Academic Year
Primary vs Secondary Schools
During the first half-term, absence rates in primary schools have remained almost identical to those in the same period last year. Secondary schools, however, showed a slight reduction in absence rates towards the end of the half-term, though this trend did not hold in the week leading up to the break.
Absence by Reason Code
Comparing the first half-term of 2024 to the same period in 2023:
- Primary school pupils missed a similar percentage of sessions as last year.
- Secondary school pupils showed a small improvement, largely due to a 10% drop in illness-related absences.
- Both authorised and unauthorised absence rates held steady in both primary and secondary schools.
Persistent Absence by Region
Persistent absence has remained steady in primary schools and has shown a slight decrease in secondary schools across England. This pattern is broadly consistent nationwide, except in London, where persistent absence has risen slightly in both primary and secondary schools.
Conclusion
The modest reduction in absence rates within secondary schools offers some encouragement. However, the persistently high rates of unauthorised absences remain a pressing issue, particularly in light of the recent increase in fines for unauthorised absences. As winter approaches, bringing with it the likelihood of more illness-related absences, it will be important to monitor whether these early patterns in attendance hold steady throughout the term.
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Source: Pupil absence at the start of Autumn Term 2024 – FFT Education Datalab
