School absence rates remain at record low despite rise in unauthorised holidays
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."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£100 - 140 per day
Location free text
Wolverhampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Wolverhampton
Description
Do you have an ELSA qualification? Are you currently looking for a rewarding role in a mainstream schoool? Are you available to start immediately? We want you! Teaching Personnel are currently looking
Reference
ELSA BC
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham PrimaryAuthor
Birmingham PrimarySalary
£36k - 42k per year
Location free text
Grateley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Hampshire
Description
Maths Teacher (Secondary Specialist Setting – ASC/Asperger’s)Location: Grateley, near Andover, Hampshire Salary: £36,000 – £42,000 per annum Hours: Full Time – 40 hours per weekWe are seeking a passio
Reference
gr8lyMATHSsept
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£93 - 100 per day
Location free text
Cardiff
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cardiff
Description
Behaviour & Learning Mentor Perfect for Psychology Graduates & Students Cardiff Full-Time / Part-Time / Term-Time Only Start Date: 7th September 2026Are you passionate about mental health, education
Reference
behaviour 28/5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£92 - 200 per day
Location free text
Brighton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Brighton
Description
Secondary Supply Teachers & Cover Supervisors | Brighton & Surrounding Areas Secondary schools across Brighton and surrounding areas are currently looking for confident and adaptable Supply Teachers
Reference
28/05/2026 D2DSEc
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£168.80 - 232.40 per day
Location free text
Dorchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
KS1 Teaching Assistant – Bridport Are you a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for your next rewarding role? We’re working with a welcoming school in Bridport seeking a dedicated KS1
Reference
TA / Bridport 2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£80 - 90 per day
Location free text
Devizes
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Wiltshire
Description
Teaching Assistant Required – SEN School, Wiltshire – Immediate StartWe are seeking caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join a specialist SEN school in Wiltshire on a full-time b
Reference
34854876
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£168.80 - 232.40 per day
Location free text
Bridport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
KS1 Teaching Assistant – Bridport Are you a caring and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for your next rewarding role? We’re working with a welcoming school in Bridport seeking a dedicated KS1
Reference
Ta / Bridport
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£92 - 200 per day
Location free text
East Sussex
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
East Sussex
Description
SEND & SEMH Opportunities | East Sussex Schools SEND and SEMH schools across East Sussex are currently looking for educators and support staff who can bring patience, consistency and a calm, professi
Reference
28/05/2026 SND GEN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Devizes
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Wiltshire
Description
English HLTA Required – SEN School, Wiltshire – Immediate StartWe are currently recruiting for an enthusiastic and committed English Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a specialist SEN sch
Reference
47687
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£30k - 50k per year
Location free text
Devizes
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Wiltshire
Description
English Teacher Required – SEN School, Wiltshire – Immediate StartWe are seeking a dedicated and resilient English Teacher to join a specialist SEN school in Wiltshire on a full-time basis, with an im
Reference
32847
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish 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
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job