Understanding Persistent Pupil Absence in Schools

Persistent pupil absence is a growing concern in schools across the UK, with rates significantly higher than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For teachers, head teachers, and school leaders, solving this issue is more critical than ever. This article will explore what persistent absence means, why it poses such a problem for our schools, and actionable steps to address it effectively, including leveraging coaching as a targeted intervention for pupils and how this can support schools to create a culture of belonging.

What is Persistent Absence and Why Does it Happen?

Persistent absence is defined as missing 10% or more of scheduled school time within an academic year. This equates to about 19 days of missed schooling—a substantial gap that can negatively impact both academic success and social development.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) as a Key Contributor

One of the most complex causes of persistent absence is Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Unlike truancy, pupils with EBSA might not be skipping school intentionally. Instead, they experience significant emotional hurdles, such as anxiety or distress, which make attending school feel overwhelming. Triggers for EBSA may include:

• Social anxiety or general anxiety disorders, especially in busy or high-pressure school environments.
• Bullying or negative peer relationships.
• Academic stress and fear of failure.
• Conditions common in pupils with autism or ADHD, where school settings can feel overwhelming.

Understanding EBSA is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to help pupils overcome these barriers.

Other Causes of Persistent Absence

While EBSA is a major factor, persistent absenteeism can arise due to a multitude of overlapping factors, such as:

• Socioeconomic struggles, including food insecurity or housing instability.
• Health issues—both physical and mental—ranging from long-term illnesses to undiagnosed psychological struggles.
• Difficult family dynamics or responsibilities, such as caregiving requirements.
• Disengagement caused by a lack of interest in the school curriculum or an inhospitable school environment.

Identifying and addressing these underlying causes is key to reducing absenteeism.

Why Persistent Absence is a Problem for UK Schools

Persistent absence affects not only individual pupils but entire school communities. Here are key ways it impacts the educational landscape:

Academic Decline

Pupils who miss school frequently fall behind in their studies. Research shows that persistent absence is strongly linked to lower academic achievement, which in turn affects long-term prospects, such as higher education opportunities and employability.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Attending school is about more than just academics; it provides social and emotional support systems that help pupils feel connected and cared for. Missing out on this support can exacerbate mental health challenges and create a cycle of avoidance.

Challenges for Schools and Educators

When persistent absence becomes widespread, it disrupts classroom dynamics and increases pressure on teachers to provide additional support. With an estimated 25% of pupils in England persistently absent in the 2022 autumn term, compared to only 10% pre-pandemic, this issue has reached a critical juncture.

Policy and the Children’s Wellbeing Bill

The government's Children’s Wellbeing Bill places a renewed focus on reducing persistent absence to ensure every child has access to a quality education. Schools are encouraged to adopt proactive attendance strategies, prioritise support for mental health, and make pupil wellbeing a central part of their ethos.

How Schools Can Help Prevent Persistent Absence

Reducing persistent absence requires a long-term strategy that focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive school environment. Here are some actionable steps schools can implement:

Build a Positive School Culture

• Promote inclusivity and ensure that every pupils feels like they belong.
• Foster a strong sense of school connectedness. Research suggests that pupils with high levels of connectedness are less likely to develop mental health issues and are more likely to attend regularly.

Prioritise Open Communication

• Encourage regular dialogue with families about attendance issues.
• Create an environment where pupils feel comfortable sharing their struggles.

Identify Risk Factors Early

• Use data to monitor attendance patterns and identify at-risk pupils.
• Assess triggers, such as traumatic events, bullying incidents, or health issues, to intervene before absences escalate.

Tailor Interventions

• Provide mental health resources, including access to coaches that support pupils to address the underlying causes of persistent absence.
• Coach young people to plan and develop their own solutions so they meet their needs.  These often include.  Developing flexible learning schedules or part-time timetables for pupils transitioning back to school after prolonged absences.

Positive Peer Relationships

• Peer to Peer interventions - Develop peer mentorship programs to support socially isolated pupils and boost school connectedness.
• Positive peer relationships create a sense of belonging, making pupils feel more connected to their school community, which can motivate consistent attendance.  
• Supportive friendships provide emotional encouragement, helping pupils overcome challenges and reducing the likelihood of extended absences.  

Supporting Pupils Returning to School After Persistent Absence

For pupils who have been persistently absent, reintegration into the school environment can be daunting. Schools can support this process through the following approaches:

Gradual Reintroduction

Start with flexible attendance plans, allowing pupils to return for shorter periods before transitioning to a full schedule.

Peer Mentorship Programmes

Pair returning pupils with peer or teacher mentors to build confidence and create a sense of accountability. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors programme provides training to young people who can act as peer support that helps foster a sense of belonging.

Targeted Coaching for EBSA

Persistent absence linked to EBSA requires customized interventions. Coaching can help by:

• Identifying specific barriers to attendance, including emotional and psychological hurdles.
• Building resilience and self-esteem in pupils.
• Providing ongoing guidance to both pupils and families as they adjust to the school routine.

Coaching not only supports individual pupils but also contributes to building a school-wide culture of belonging and collaboration. Find out more about Coaching and how it can help your pupils with our Free Introduction to Coaching Young People Course.

Fostering a Culture of Belonging

Addressing persistent absence isn’t just about fixing individual cases—it’s about creating systemic change. Coaching and proactive initiatives can play a significant role in reshaping school environments to make them more inclusive and engaging for all pupils. A strong culture of belonging can significantly reduce school absenteeism rates over time.

Practical Tips to Tackle Persistent Absence

Here are tangible steps schools can take right now:

• Hold Attendance Workshops for parents to communicate the importance of consistent school attendance.
• Celebrate Attendance Successes, such as rewarding pupils with strong attendance records.
• Implement Check-in Systems, where dedicated staff monitor at-risk pupils daily.
• Provide Accessible Mental Health Resources, such as wellbeing programs or stress-management workshops.
• Leverage School Community Events to strengthen relationships between families, teachers, and pupils.

Final Thoughts: Supporting Pupils Is a Shared Responsibility

Reducing persistent absence in schools is about more than enforcing rules—it’s about understanding why pupils are struggling to attend and addressing these challenges holistically. Schools must work closely with parents, communities, and the students themselves to foster an environment of support and belonging.Coaching, open communication, and long-term cultural changes are not just effective strategies but essential components of tackling this growing issue.

By prioritising pupil wellbeing and taking proactive measures, schools can give every pupil the chance to thrive.Need additional support or guidance?

Learn how coaching can make a meaningful impact for your pupils by accessing our Free Introduction to Coaching Young People Course.

Want to train to use coaching yourself with pupils to prevent absence? Apply to join our accredited Coach Training Course.