Attendance

Why Attendance Matters

Coming to school every day is important for your child’s learning, wellbeing and overall development. Regular attendance helps children make the most of their education and provides a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, build friendships and develop important life skills.

Missing school can have a significant impact on a child’s progress. Even short periods of absence can make it harder for children to keep up with their learning, feel confident in class and be ready to learn.

Being in school every day helps children stay connected to their learning, their friends and the wider school community. It provides routine, stability and a sense of belonging, while also giving access to the experiences and opportunities that support personal, social and academic growth.

Good attendance is also an important protective factor for children. It helps schools identify and respond to concerns early and reduces the risk of children becoming vulnerable to harm, including exploitation and radicalisation.

When attendance drops, children are more likely to fall behind in their learning, miss out on important experiences and face challenges in the future. Poor attendance can affect long-term outcomes and increase the risk of a young person leaving education without moving into employment or training. Research shows that pupils who miss between two and four weeks of school in Year 11 are only half as likely to achieve a grade 5 (PASS) in English and maths as pupils who attend regularly.