Persistent and severe absence
What we mean by persistent absence
Persistent absence is defined when a pupil’s attendance falls to 90% or below for any reason, whether authorised or unauthorised. Over a full academic year, this equates to around 38 sessions (19 school days), or approximately one day of absence every fortnight.
What we mean by severe absence
Severe absence refers to pupils who miss 50% or more of their education. These pupils are likely to face significant barriers to attending school and may require more intensive, coordinated support from a range of partners. As such, these pupils should be a priority for support and intervention.
This strategy recognises that both persistent and severe absence are rarely driven by a single issue and are often experienced by our most vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils. The evidence highlights that the underlying causes are often complex, interrelated and rooted in wider family circumstances. As such, attendance should not be viewed as a stand-alone issue, but instead as an indicator of wider need, requiring coordinated, whole-family support across schools, services and communities.