Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

School absence rates remain at record low despite rise in unauthorised holidays

Date posted : 24 March 2017

Overall absence rates in English schools remained at a record low level during the 2015-16 academic year, according to new government data.

Official statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) have shown that the rate of overall absences in 2015-16 has remained the same as the previous year at 4.6, following several years of steady declines since 2006-07, when the overall absence rate was 6.5 per cent.

Persistent absence rates - which monitors the number of students missing ten per cent or more of all possible sessions - have also followed a downward curve since 2010-11, dropping from 16.3 per cent to 10.5 per cent during that time.

Although the total number of days missed across all state-funded primary, secondary and special schools has rose slightly from 54.5 million in 2014-15 to 54.8 million in 2015-16, this increase is consistent with higher pupil enrolment rates.

However, the report also noted a sharp rise in the number of children missing school due to an unauthorised holiday, with the rate increasing from 10.4 per cent in 2014-15 to 11.9 per cent in 2015-16. Just under 802,000 children missed at least one school session, up from around 692,000 the year before.

The government has been making efforts to reduce the number of term-time holidays taken during the last few years, although it suffered a setback last May with a legal ruling that overturned efforts to fine a parent for taking his daughter on a trip in the middle of a term.

A DfE spokesperson said: "Evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil's chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances.

"That is why we have tightened the rules to put teachers firmly back in charge of their classrooms, and we are supporting schools and local authorities to use their powers to tackle unauthorised absence."

List #1

Related posts

National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026: Meet Our Winners

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year, we w

Teaser

Following a record-breaking response to our NTAD awards, we're proud to reveal our Teaching Assistant of the Year 2026 winners and celebrate the incredible difference they make every day.

Read more
Welcome Back: Starting the New School Year with Confidence

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb

Teaser

Read more
What do the September 2026 supply staff changes mean for teachers and support staff?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Five things educators can do now to get ready for September

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

What the DfE Framework Means for Schools

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta

Teaser

Read more
Why summer is the perfect time to work in early years and nursery settings

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Exam season: A guide for teaching assistants and support staff

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Looking for a permanent teaching role?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

TP 30 Years - Danielle

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w

Teaser

Read more
TP 30 Years - Patrick

Teaser

People & Culture

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch

Teaser

Read more
company logo
Search