Responding to the latest Department for Education pupil absence statistics for schools in England, covering the autumn and spring terms of 2025/26, Dr Emma Moore, Senior Research Manager at NFER, said:
“New absence statistics published today highlight that despite the considerable efforts schools are making to get pupils back to school, absence rates remain stubbornly higher than pre-pandemic.
"Overall, absence rates in the autumn and spring terms of 2025/2026 are broadly stable from 2024/2025, with some signs of continued positive progress, especially in secondary schools.
"We know from our research that schools are working incredibly hard on attendance. They are building strong relationships between schools and families, understanding the barriers to attendance, and providing flexible support that reflects individual needs. But schools can't tackle attendance alone - many of the barriers to attendance sit outside the school gates, so improving attendance requires investment in wider mental health, family and SEND support services.”