Absence and attendance

Attendance: national, LA and school data
Compare your school's attendance data to others locally and nationally, using our summary of the data and templates. Learn how the data is collected and how to make your own data tables using the DfE website.
Attendance: persistent and severe absence thresholds and statistics
Pupils are persistent absentees if they miss 10% of sessions or more, and severe absentees if they miss 50%. Learn how to analyse your data, and see the national statistics.
Attendance: the legal requirements
Parents have a legal responsibility to send their child to school. Read on for guidance on authorised absence and learn what to do if pupils aren't attending.

Absence and attendance in the sixth form
Find out what you need to record in your register for sixth-form students. Learn about setting sanctions and whether you have to inform parents about students' absence.
Absence requests for religious observance
Make sure you know how to handle requests for absence from both pupils and staff due to religious events. Also, find links to calendars of celebrations so you can keep on top of dates when you might see absence requests.
Pupil term-time absence: what you need to know Updated
Term-time absences can only be granted in 'exceptional circumstances'. Know what factors you need to consider when deciding whether a circumstance is 'exceptional' and making a judgement around how long the pupil needs to be away from school.

Attendance register: requirements and guidance
Be clear on the rules for registering pupil attendance and absence, so you can make sure your school is compliant. Find guidance on when to close the register, and see what approaches other schools take.

Flexi-schooling: guidance
Get to grips with flexi-school arrangements. Find out what to consider before agreeing to a request for one and what to include in an agreement with parents.
How to improve sixth form attendance and behaviour
Get expert advice to help you improve attendance and behaviour in the sixth form. Read a case study to find out how a sixth form improved standards of attendance and behaviour.
How to talk to parents/carers about attendance
Learn how to approach initial conversations about attendance with parents and carers, and who in your school might be best placed to have them. Take a look at our guidance for positive and constructive conversations.

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