Attendance figures for the spring term 2025 show that absence in secondary schools stands at 8.7% – of which 3.3% was unauthorised absence.
Persistent absence, meanwhile – students who miss at least 10% of school – is running at 24.5%.
While the figures continue to be notably above pre-pandemic levels, progress is being made year-on-year.
The figures compare to the spring term 2024 when absence stood at 9.2% (of which 3.6% was unauthorised). Persistent absence a year ago stood at 26.5%.
It comes after the annual conference of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) heard calls for attendance accountability to be spread fairly between schools, families, and local authorities.
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