Schools across the country continue to grapple with stubbornly high absence rates in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The challenge is especially acute in secondary schools where, in 2024-25, the average absence rate was 8.4 per cent, up from 5.5 per cent in 2018-19. Improving pupils’ sense of “belonging” in school has recently emerged as a promising lever for improving attendance, because it is something which schools can meaningfully influence. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.