School Absence Rates Rise Amid New UK Initiatives

Recent data reveals a slight increase in school absence rates in England, with the overall absence rate rising to 6.9% at the start of the spring term in January 2025, attributed mainly to unauthorized absences. This rise comes despite ongoing efforts by the government, including a new statutory guidance aimed at improving school attendance and a pledge from Labour for a 'new era for attendance.' Approximately 18.7% of pupils are now classified as persistently absent, a decrease from the previous year but still significant, affecting around 1.5 million students. In Bristol, a local taskforce has been established to address high absenteeism rates among teenagers, with nearly 24% of students missing school regularly, often linked to mental health issues and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called the situation an 'absence epidemic' and criticized parents for contributing to the trend by extending holidays. Meanwhile, in Australia, attendance rates have also dipped slightly, reflecting broader challenges in educational engagement post-COVID.