In the current educational climate, school attendance is more than just a daily metric—it’s a reflection of a school’s culture, student wellbeing, and the effectiveness of school leadership and strategy. With recent reports raising alarm over rising absenteeism, it’s clear that school leaders must re-evaluate how their strategies support attendance and student engagement.
So, should we be worried about school attendance? The short answer: yes—but more importantly, school leadership teams must be proactive, strategic, and adaptive in how they respond.
Why Attendance Still Matters
According to a blog post from the Department for Education (DfE), even missing one day of school can negatively affect a student’s academic progress, social development, and mental wellbeing. Regular attendance supports strong learning outcomes, builds social-emotional skills, and contributes to a positive school culture. It’s also a critical indicator of a school’s strategic effectiveness in engaging its learners and families.
For senior leadership teams (SLTs), attendance should be seen not just as a statutory requirement but as a key performance indicator that reflects the strength of their school improvement strategy.
The Guardian: One in Five Pupils Are Persistently Absent
A 2024 report by The Guardian revealed that 20% of pupils in England were persistently absent last academic year. This figure isn’t just a statistic—it’s a strategic red flag.
When absenteeism becomes the norm for a significant portion of students, it challenges the very foundation of school improvement plans. It also raises questions about how SLTs are responding to underlying issues such as:
- School climate and culture
- Mental health and social-emotional wellbeing
- Parental engagement and trust
- The relevancy and inclusivity of the curriculum
A Shift in Parental Perceptions
The same report suggests that some parents no longer view daily attendance as essential. This shift in mindset has significant strategic implications for school leaders.
Post-pandemic, many families have embraced more flexible ways of living and learning. Some now view occasional absences as harmless, especially if students appear to be coping academically. However, this perception overlooks the social-emotional learning (SEL) benefits of regular attendance—such as developing friendships, managing emotions, and resolving conflict.
To address this, school leadership teams need robust communication strategies that reframe attendance as critical to long-term success—not just in academics, but in life.
The LSE Perspective: A Post-Pandemic Challenge
According to the London School of Economics (LSE), the post-pandemic era has reshaped attendance patterns. Disruption caused by illness, isolation, and mental health struggles has contributed to a more casual approach to school attendance.
This is where school leadership and strategy must evolve. It’s no longer sufficient to rely on punitive attendance policies. Instead, effective SLTs must take a compassionate, data-driven approach that integrates wellbeing, family outreach, and flexible learning options—all without compromising educational outcomes.
The Strategic Response: What School Leaders Can Do
If school attendance is down, school leaders must step up. Here’s how:
1. Prioritise SEL Across the Curriculum
Embedding social-emotional learning across school practices can help students feel more connected and supported, which improves attendance. SEL programs teach resilience, empathy, and relationship skills—key tools in encouraging students to show up, even when things feel tough.
2. Strengthen Parent Partnerships
Modern school leadership requires strategic communication with families. Rebuilding trust, clearly articulating the benefits of regular attendance, and offering practical support (e.g., transport, mental health services) can shift perceptions and increase engagement.
3. Use Data for Early Intervention
SLTs should analyse attendance patterns early and often. Data-driven strategy allows schools to identify at-risk students before their absence becomes persistent. Combined with wellbeing check-ins and pastoral support, this approach supports early intervention.
4. Create a Culture of Belonging
Students are more likely to attend schools where they feel safe, valued, and included. Leadership must invest in inclusive policies, anti-bullying measures, and student voice initiatives to build a school climate that students want to be part of.
5. Reimagine Attendance Policies Post-COVID
It’s time to revisit outdated attendance policies. The most effective SLTs are the ones willing to adapt strategy based on evolving family needs, student wellbeing data, and societal shifts.
Flexibility—such as hybrid options for short-term absence or reintegration support after illness—can keep students engaged without compromising rigour.
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Imperative for School Leaders
The current trends in school attendance in the UK demand more than concern—they require actionable, strategic leadership. SLTs must view attendance not just as a compliance issue, but as a core element of their school improvement strategy.
By combining school leadership and strategy with a strong focus on social-emotional learning, school leaders can create environments where students feel safe, supported, and eager to learn. Attendance will naturally follow.
Ready to Rethink Your School Strategy?
Tools like Satchel One can support attendance improvement through data insights, pastoral care tracking, and parental engagement features. Find out how your SLT can take a smarter, more strategic approach to school attendance.
