Importance of regular attendance
Good attendance is fundamental to children’s educational success, wellbeing and future life chances. Missing school leads to gaps in learning, reduced confidence and increased anxiety about returning.
Schools provide more than academic learning - they support social development, routine, relationships and aspiration, acting as a key protective factor for vulnerable children.
Evidence consistently shows that even small amounts of absence can have a measurable impact. Pupils with attendance of 95 to 100% are significantly more likely to achieve positive outcomes, while those whose attendance falls below 90% are at increased risk of poor attainment, reduced confidence and wider vulnerabilities. Good attendance is therefore typically understood as attending school consistently at 95 to 96% or above, supported by a strong culture where attendance is prioritised, barriers are identified early, and families are actively engaged.
Poor attendance is also linked to long-term detrimental outcomes, including reduced employment opportunities, lower lifetime earnings and increased safeguarding risks.
While elective home education is a legitimate parental choice for some families, it should not be used as a response to unmet needs or challenges within school. Where difficulties arise, partners should work collaboratively with families to remove barriers and enable children to access and benefit from education in school.