School Absenteeism Raises Alarm in England
New data from England reveal a concerning picture of school absenteeism, particularly among vulnerable groups. The number of “severely absent” pupils—those missing at least half of their lessons—has reached a record high, driven largely by rising absence rates among pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In contrast, absence rates among non-SEND pupils have declined.
More than 175,000 pupils are reported to have missed at least half of their schooling, with the majority belonging to the SEND group. Experts warn that this trend is affecting not only academic performance but also pupils’ psychological and social development. Children with long-term health conditions face particular challenges returning to school, with around 279,000 pupils missing at least 20% of their education in 2023/24 due to ongoing health issues.
While officials state that attendance has improved since the pandemic and that the number of pupils attending school daily has increased by 225,000, educators and families argue that existing support remains insufficient, especially for SEND pupils. The government has announced plans for reforms and earlier intervention to create a more inclusive education system.