Pupil wellbeing and increased persistent absenteeism: An investigation

• To explore the current patterns/trajectories of absence among English secondary school pupils, how these have changed since the pandemic, and the likelihood of pupils reverting to normal attendance.
• To investigate the extent to which decreased pupil wellbeing is driving increases in absence relative to other factors.
• To Identify potential solutions based on national and international insights to support absent pupils to re-engage with secondary school.

We are looking for mainstream secondary schools in England to take part in this research as a case study. 

This is a mixed-methods research project that will involve literature reviews, school case studies, and analysis of data from the Education and Child Health Insights from Linked Data (ECHILD) database. 

We are currently looking for mainstream secondary schools to participate in our research as case study schools.

Participation as a case study school will involve us visiting the school to undertake the following activities: 

• An interview with school senior leader (online before the visit)
• A focus group with 6-8 pupils
• Up to two interviews with pupils who have previously been persistently absent but have now returned to regular school attendance
• Up to two interviews with parents/carers of pupils who are or have been persistently absent (can also be online).

You can find more information about what is involved in the Information for Case Study Schools. 

We are undertaking case study visits from November 2025 until the end of February 2026. 

If your school is interested in taking part or finding out more information about the case study visits, please contact the research team at [email protected].

If you would like any additional information or have any further questions, please contact, Dr Emma Moore, NFER Senior Research Manager.