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How to monitor and tackle internal truancy

Understand what internal truancy is and how to address the issue at a whole-school level. Find tips on creating a welcoming classroom environment, monitoring incidents and using sanctions.

Last reviewed on 15 January 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 49893
Contents
  1. Internal truancy is when pupils are in school but not in class
  2. Set strong expectations for staff and pupils
  3. Put in place clear boundaries about leaving lessons
  4. Make classrooms a safe and welcoming space
  5. Have clear and timely communication systems in place
  6. Keep records of incidents and monitor hotspots
  7. Track incidents to respond to wider patterns
  8. Understand and respond to the reasons behind truancy
  9. Put in place targeted support
  10. Use sanctions as a tool to return pupils to the classroom

Internal truancy is when pupils are in school but not in class

If a pupil is in school but skips lessons, for example, they attend morning and afternoon registration, it won’t show up as an absence in your attendance data.

Internal truancy is a safeguarding concern as you can’t supervise pupils if you don’t know where they are. It can also indicate underlying issues, such as anxiety or mental health concerns.

Internal truancy also means that a pupil is missing education and potentially falling behind – this can make it even more likely that they’ll truant again.

Set strong expectations for staff and pupils

Tackle the issue head on by establishing a culture in your school where all staff and pupils understand what is expected of them when it comes to attending lessons. Make it clear to pupils through your messaging and daily practice that they must always be in class.