“School attendance in England has surged, with 5 million more days in classrooms and 140,000 fewer persistently absent pupils”
A new press released 7th August 2025 from the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson discusses a surge in attendance rates:
“Children across England are returning to school in record numbers, with over 5 million more days in classrooms this year – signalling the biggest year-on-year improvement in attendance for a decade.
New figures show more than 140,000 fewer pupils are persistently absent compared to last year, as the government’s relentless focus on tackling the inherited school attendance crisis begins to pay dividends.
Of those, 45,000 are young people from deprived backgrounds, reflecting particular improvement among disadvantaged children. “
Read the Press Release here: DfE Press release: Record attendance gains unlock over £2bn in future earnings
Is it time to celebrate?
The latest news on surging school attendance in England is a significant win for students, teachers, and the broader economy. With 5 million more days in classrooms and 140,000 fewer persistently absent pupils, this represents a crucial turning point in the post-pandemic education landscape. As we look to the new academic year, this progress has a profound impact on schools, shaping a more positive and productive environment for everyone.
Benefits for Students and Teachers 📚
The most direct and obvious impact is on learning and academic outcomes. The press release rightly highlights the link between attendance and future earnings, estimating over £2 billion in protected future earnings for this cohort of students. This isn’t just about financial metrics; it’s about giving every child, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a fairer shot at success. For the 45,000 fewer persistently absent pupils from deprived backgrounds, this improvement is a powerful step towards breaking the cycle of disadvantage. When children are in school, they can build consistent study habits and develop the foundational knowledge and social skills that are essential for life.
For teachers, this news is a huge relief. The press release notes that teachers have saved over 10,000 days that would have been spent helping absent pupils catch up. This frees them to focus on delivering high-quality education to the entire class, rather than constantly playing catch-up. It allows for a more cohesive and uninterrupted curriculum, creating a better learning experience for all.
A Holistic Approach to School Support 🤝
The government’s approach, which combines data-driven strategies with targeted support, is particularly promising for the upcoming academic year. The use of AI-powered reports for schools to benchmark attendance is a smart, modern solution that enables headteachers to identify and address issues proactively. This moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and allows schools to tailor their interventions based on their specific circumstances.
Furthermore, the expansion of the pilot mentor scheme and the introduction of new attendance and behaviour hubs signal a commitment to tackling the root causes of absence. This is a vital shift away from simply punishing absence towards understanding and resolving the underlying issues, whether they are related to mental health, special educational needs, or family circumstances. By offering free breakfast clubs and expanding access to mental health support, the government is creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment where every child feels they belong and wants to attend. This holistic strategy is key to sustaining these attendance gains and making them a permanent fixture of the education system.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility 🌍
While the recent progress is encouraging, the work isn’t over. The challenge for the new academic year will be to build on this momentum. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders: schools, parents, and the wider community. Schools must continue to foster a culture where attendance is a top priority, not just through policies, but by creating an engaging and welcoming environment. Parents must be empowered to see themselves as partners in their children’s education, understanding that every day in school counts.
The government’s focus on early intervention and support for the most vulnerable children is the right path forward. By addressing barriers to attendance head-on and investing in programs that make a tangible difference, we can ensure that these record attendance gains are just the beginning of a brighter, more equitable future for all children in England.
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