More parents are giving no reasons for pupil absence

Statistics released by Northern Ireland’s Department of Education also reveal holidays during term time are increasing among secondary school pupils.

In 2015/16, the attendance rate for post-primary schools was 93.5 per cent of total half-days with 6.5 per cent missed due to absence. Of these absences, 4.3 per cent were authorised and 2.2 unauthorised.

Only absence with permission from a school on provision of a satisfactory explanation can be considered authorised. This includes bereavement, medical appointments, religious observance and illness. Unauthorised absences include taking time off due to the availability of cheap holiday deals.

Schools can authorise a family holiday only under “very exceptional circumstances”. These may be for reasons including a break being important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family, following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or “other traumatic events”.