School Attendance Edges Up but Severe Absence Keeps Heads Awake
The latest figures show attendance in England's state schools has crept above 93 per cent this year, a slow recovery from the pandemic, yet persistent and severe absence remain stubbornly higher than before Covid, with secondaries lagging primaries.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
“”
- Overall attendance at 93.36 per cent so far in 2025/26
- Pre-pandemic absence was around 4.7 per cent
- Primary attendance 94.6 per cent, secondary 91.9 per cent
- Persistent absence down to 1.28 million pupils
- Severe absence continuing to rise
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by Children's Commissioner for England. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.
You may also like to read
Teachers Edge Towards Summer Strikes as Government Prepares Pay Verdict
With 96 per cent of National Education Union members rejecting an unfunded 6.5 per cent offer spread over three years, ministers face a fraught decision on the 2026 pay award that could trigger the first national school strikes since 2023.
School Phone Ban Gains Legal Teeth as Statutory Duty Comes Into Force
From 29 June, state schools in England must have regard to government guidance making them mobile-free by default, with Ofsted set to check policies at every inspection in a move ministers say will protect learning and wellbeing.
SEND Overhaul Sparks Parent Backlash as Ministers Defend Inclusion Plans
The Schools White Paper would reserve education, health and care plans for the most complex cases and push most support into mainstream classrooms, but campaigners fear the changes will strip away hard-won legal protections for disabled children.
Half a Million More Children to Get Free School Meals From September
Every pupil in a household on Universal Credit will become entitled to a free school lunch from the new academic year, in the biggest expansion of the scheme in years, as councils urge families to reapply before the changes take effect.