Tackling the Attendance Crisis: A Bespoke Approach to Supporting Our Schools

Grasping the Heart of the Issue

At Engaging Education, we believe that declining attendance isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about students who might be facing personal or social challenges, families in need of support, and communities struggling with change. We recognise that every school is unique, and so are the obstacles it faces. That’s why we believe in a bespoke approach – one that starts with truly listening to our partners. 

Understanding the Challenge through the Data

Overall Absence Rates: 

• In the 2023/24 academic year, the overall absence rate was 6.9%, with slight improvements compared to previous years. However, these figures remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, when absence rates were below 5%. 

• For the current academic year, data shows an overall absence rate ranging from 6.6% to 6.9%.

Persistent Absence: 

• Defined as missing 10% or more of school sessions, the persistent absence rate was 19.2% in 2023/24 – up from pre-pandemic figures – and remains at around 18.6% in the current academic year. This increase underscores that many more students are now at risk of falling behind. 

Variations by School Type: 

• State-funded primary schools report lower absence rates (around 5.2%), while secondary and special schools face higher rates, reflecting the diverse challenges that different groups of pupils encounter. 

Reasons for Absence: 

• Just over half of all absences are due to illness. However, unexplained non-attendance is a major concern as it can serve as an early indicator of deeper issues such as mental health challenges, socio-economic hardships, or other vulnerabilities. 

These numbers reveal a stark reality: while there has been some progress compared to previous years, overall attendance remains much worse than it used to be. The rise in persistent absence signals that the challenges are deepening, especially for disadvantaged students.  

Our Bespoke, Research-Led Strategy

At Engaging Education, we believe one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.  

Our approach is built on: 

1. Listening and Learning:
   We start by engaging in open, honest conversations with school leaders and their communities. By understanding each school’s unique circumstances – from the lingering impacts of Covid-19 to local socio-economic challenges – we lay the foundation for uniquely tailored, purposeful solutions. 
2. Crafting Tailored Campaigns:
   Our creative teams draw on detailed insights and rigorous research to develop bespoke, research-driven attendance campaigns that speak directly to the community’s needs. We eschew strategies that research has proven ineffective. 
3. Continuous Collaboration and Refinement:
   Our commitment doesn’t end at campaign launch. We continuously monitor attendance data and gather feedback, fine-tuning our strategies so that they evolve alongside each school’s changing needs. 

 The Impact of a Personal Touch

We understand that behind every statistic is a real story – a student who has struggled, a teacher who has gone the extra mile, or a parent seeking a supportive environment for their child. Our work is driven by values of integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for the welfare of young people, our partners and their communities. Through creative yet empathetic messaging, we strive not only to improve attendance figures but also to rekindle a sense of community, equal opportunity and engagement within schools. 

 Education is a pathway to opportunity, personal growth, and social mobility. Yet, the worsening attendance crisis disproportionately affects disadvantaged young people. Studies show that pupils from low-income backgrounds, those eligible for free school meals, and children with special educational needs are significantly more likely to be persistently absent. When these students miss out on regular learning and essential social interaction, their prospects for a successful future are diminished.  

Our personalised campaigns aim to support every child’s attendance with an empathic, inclusive approach, so that we can help bridge the gap for those most in need.

Looking Ahead

The data tells us that attendance remains far worse than pre-pandemic levels, with persistent absence on the rise. This crisis threatens to widen the gap for already disadvantaged young people. Yet, we remain optimistic. By continuing to collaborate closely with our partners and refining our bespoke, research-led methods, we’re confident that we can help schools overcome these challenges. Our commitment is to not only support schools in boosting attendance but also to ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and valued. 

 If you’re interested in learning more about how our tailored approach can make a difference in your school, or if you simply want to chat about creative ways to tackle everyday attendance challenges, get in touch with us at hello@engaginge.co.uk or call 01924 802280. 

Let’s work together to give every child the best chance of strong attendance and a bright future.