New research highlights the link between attendance at school and achievement.
Recent research from the Department for Education (March 2025) highlights the crucial link between school attendance and academic achievement. The findings show that regular attendance is essential for primary school children to achieve well and develop important life skills.
Key findings:
- Higher achievement: Pupils who attend school regularly tend to perform better academically, especially in subjects like English and mathematics
- Social skill development: Regular attendance helps children develop social and cognitive skills, which are vital for their overall growth.
- Long-term benefits: Consistent attendance sets a strong foundation for future educational success and career opportunities.
Impact of Poor Attendance:
The research shows that poor attendance can have significant negative effects on a child's education and development:
- Lower academic achievement: Pupils with high absence rates often perform worse in tests and assessments. They miss out on important lessons and fall behind their peers
- Social and emotional impact: Missing school can affect a child's ability to develop social skills and build relationships with peers and teachers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and lower self-esteem
- Future prospects: Poor attendance can limit future opportunities, as it is often linked to lower grades and reduced chances of higher education and employment
Our approach
We believe that good attendance is crucial for your child's well-being and academic success. Here are some ways we support attendance:
- Encouraging 100% attendance: We aim for an attendance rate of at least 97% and encourage all pupils to attend school every day.
- Support for families: We will work closely with you as a family to understand and address any barriers to attendance. This includes support from local authority teams, early help services, and special educational needs support.
- Monitoring and communication: We regularly check attendance data and follow up on absences. We will communicate with you to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
What can you do?
- Encourage attendance: Make sure your child attends school regularly and on time. Explain the importance of education and how it benefits their future.
- Support learning: Create a positive learning environment at home. Help with homework and engage in educational activities.
- Communicate with school: Stay in touch with us so we can address any concerns or barriers to attendance promptly.
By prioritising school attendance, you play a pivotal role in your child's academic success and overall development.