In neighbouring Oxfordshire, the number of children who have been missing more than half of their school days has increased ten-fold over the last decade. This upward trajectory has educators and mental health professionals deeply alarmed. Recent figures from the Department for Education (DfE) illustrate just how fast this category of pupils has skyrocketed. The figure skyrocketed from only 427 in the 2015/16 academic year to a remarkable 2,305 in the 2023/24 academic year.
This troubling trend is indicative of an alarming national and local crisis. Absenteeism more than doubled throughout the United Kingdom since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Gerry Byrne, a professional with over 30 years of experience in specialist children services in Oxford, highlights that the natural inclination of children is “to be curious, to be social and to trust and be able to learn and to thrive.” Other widespread influences are driving up the rate of school avoidance.
Byrne points out that “things that happen in the classroom or in the school are often the starting point” for children missing school. Here, he highlights four major culprits that have gotten us to this point. These factors range from bullying and academic pressure to that suffocating sensation produced by crowded classrooms. He points out family discord and mental health issues in families. We’ve all seen the impact of feeling like you aren’t good enough at a young age. Perhaps they showcase this emotion with a frustrated “I can’t.”
Heather Richards, an educator involved in implementing supportive measures for students, noted that absent children often develop a “vicious circle.” She stresses that when schools build better relationships among students, there’s “real improvement” in schools’ attendance numbers.
Finally, the DfE has called for a focused and coordinated effort to combat this epidemic. They state, “The case for tackling the epidemic of school absence could not be clearer: improved grades, higher wages, better life chances.” The department encourages all stakeholders to unite. Families, students, government and administrators need to come together to ensure our children are welcomed back to the classroom.
Recently released data clearly demonstrates the egregious gaps in academic performance by students’ chronic absenteeism. Only one in two students with under 90% attendance are reaching the expected level in reading, writing and maths. This is the case by the end of Key Stage 2. By comparison, fewer than 71% of students who attend less than 99% of the time meet these standards.
The DfE is currently taking a hard line on other strategies to drive attendance too. They’re still serious about tearing down walls to opportunity. Their efforts have stretched from attendance mentors, free breakfast clubs, improved mental health support, and investing more into family support.
“Tackling this issue is everyone’s responsibility – government, schools, parents, and children – and we need a national effort to get our kids back in the classroom.” – Department for Education (DfE)
The mental health charity Anna Freud plays an active role in encouraging schools and colleges. Together, they offer rich tools aimed at increasing school attendance and boosting mental health. Their efforts are directly related to the increased national awareness of how mental health affects children’s capacity to connect with learning.
