Last week, the Department for Education released pupil absence data for 2021/22. Across England, the overall absence rate was 7.6%. The percentage of persistent absentees (those missing 10% or more sessions) was 22.5%.
Absences throughout 21/22 have been higher than in previous years. Pre-pandemic, absence rates were below 5%, and persistent absences just over 10%.
As well as the national figures, the data also has breakdowns by region, school type, and pupil characteristics. In 21/22, the North East had the highest absence rates at 8.1%, followed by the South West at 8%. Inner and Outer London had the lowest rates, at 6.6% and 6.7% respectively.
Our region also had the highest rates of persistent absences, at 24.7%. Outer London had the lowest rates, at 19.6%. All regions had seen increases in both absence and persistent absence rates in 21/22.
Within the region there is also some variation. Middlesbrough had the highest absence and persistent absence rates (8.8% and 28.8% respectively), while North Tyneside had the lowest (7.1% and 20.5%).
The overall absence rate for pupils who are eligible for free school meals was 10.8% in 2021/22, up from 7.8% in the previous year. This compares to 6.5% for those pupils who were not eligible for free school meals. 37.2% of pupils who were eligible for free school meals were persistently absent in 2021/22, compared to 17.5% of pupils who were not eligible.
The overall absence rate for pupils with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) was 12.1% in 2021/22. This compares to 10.0% for pupils with SEN support and 6.9% with no identified SEN. 36.9% of pupils with an EHCP were persistently absent in this period, compared to 32.0% for pupils with SEN support and 20.0% for pupils with no identified SEN.
While most groups of students saw increases in absence rates on 20/21, those with an EHCP saw a decrease, from 42.3% persistently absent. However, the 21/22 figures are still above pre-pandemic figures.
Regular feedback from Schools North East roundtables and surveys this year has highlighted that addressing attendance challenges is a key focus for schools. Persistent absence and the need to support disadvantaged students is not a new issue in North East schools, and the experience of Covid has weakened the engagement of many students with education.
The House of Commons Education Select Committee recently launched an inquiry into persistent absence, and Schools North East has submitted written evidence.
