This summary is based on an insightful article by Kit Heren for LBC
A record number of children in England are now regularly missing school, according to new figures from the Department for Education (DfE). The latest data shows that nearly one in four pupils in state schools were persistently absent during the autumn term of the 2023–24 academic year, meaning they missed at least 10% of sessions.
More concerningly, over 170,000 pupils were classed as “severely absent”, attending fewer than half of their lessons. This marks the highest level of severe absence since records began in 2006.
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, described the situation as unacceptable and said improving attendance was her top priority. She pointed to increased government support and attendance hubs to help schools tackle the issue, but acknowledged that schools must act quickly to make progress.
Headteachers and unions have warned that the pandemic has left a lasting impact on attendance habits, with many children and families still struggling to re-establish routines. While the government has increased fines for unauthorised absences, education leaders argue that penalties alone won’t solve the problem. They are calling for a more supportive and well-funded approach to help families overcome barriers to attendance.
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Sources:
Pupil absence in schools in England, Academic year 2023/24 – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK
Number of children skipping school persistently hits record high, as heads say some… – LBC
