Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders comments on Education Policy Institute (EPI) research which finds that soaring rates of secondary school absence have led to disadvantaged pupils falling further behind their peers since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This analysis provides a forensic examination of the damage caused by high levels of pupil absence.
“Improving attendance cannot be the sole responsibility of schools. As the EPI rightly states, the government must adopt a comprehensive strategy that tackles the root causes. Strengthening mental health support for children, addressing the deepening crisis in the special educational needs system, and reforming the curriculum to better engage all learners – not just the most academic – are essential steps. Schools also need greater support, including dedicated attendance officers who can work with families to identify and remove barriers to attendance.
“Too often, the burden of ensuring children attend school falls entirely on teachers and leaders, who are then held accountable for absences beyond their control. Without a broader system of support, it is extremely difficult for schools to drive meaningful change in attendance rates.”