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School absence rate

Percentage of possible school sessions missed by pupils in state-funded schools in England.

6.8 %
-0.4pp vs 2023-24

As of 2024-25

Historical trend

Trend summary

School absence rate was 6.8% in 2024-25, down from 7.2% in 2023-24.

Trend

  • Over the available record (2006-07–2024-25), it has ranged from 4.5% in 2013-14 to 7.5% in 2021-22.
  • The latest reading is above the record average of 5.7%.

Context

  • DfE publishes school absence statistics annually for state-funded schools in England; they cover autumn, spring, and summer terms.
  • Absence figures for 2019–20 and 2020–21 are not comparable with other years owing to partial school closures during COVID-19.

Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.

About this indicator

Update frequency
Annual
Last updated
3 August 2026
Next update
3 August 2027
Licence
OGL v3
Direction
↓ Falling

Statistics

Latest
6.8 %
Period high
6.8 %
Period low
6.8 %
Period average
6.8 %