Record High in Severe School Absence in England
The number of children missing more than half of their school time has reached a new record high in England, according to data released by the Department for Education (DfE).
While overall attendance improved for most students during the 2024/25 academic year, the count of pupils classified as "severely" absent—defined as missing at least 50% of their classes—increased once again.
This rise was primarily driven by an increase in pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) missing school, whereas the number of severely absent pupils without SEND declined compared to the previous year.
The DfE stated it has made "real progress," noting that 225,000 more children are attending school almost every day, but acknowledged that further efforts are needed to support children with SEND.
Challenges Faced by Children with Long-Term Illness
Rebecca, a mother who requested anonymity, highlighted the insufficient support available for children experiencing long-term school absence due to illness.
Her seven-year-old daughter Gracie underwent over two years of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after being diagnosed at age three.
Gracie spent extended periods hospitalized, and although she completed treatment and is now in remission, Rebecca reports that her daughter has struggled to adjust to school life.
According to Rebecca, Gracie experienced severe school absence both during and after treatment and developed anxiety about returning to class.
"There's not enough support around kids who are going through treatment or finished treatment when it comes to going to school," she said.
"For a child that young to go through something like cancer is not normal. It's a really traumatic experience to go through."
Despite changing schools and receiving one-to-one support through an education, health and care plan (EHCP)—which legally entitles children with SEND to specific provisions—Gracie continued to struggle with attendance.
In recent months, Gracie's attendance has improved following twice-weekly tutoring at home provided by the charity Bright Futures UK, which Rebecca says has "massively" boosted her daughter's confidence.
"It's taken quite a long time to get to where we are. But I'm very hopeful by the end of this year that she will be in full-time education," Rebecca added.
Definitions and Data on School Absence
The DfE categorizes school absence rates using terms such as "severe," for children missing over half of their school time, and "persistent," for those missing more than 10% of school.
A recent report by Bright Futures UK, which offers tutoring and mentoring for young people with medical conditions, also examined pupils missing 20% of school.
It estimated that 279,000 children missed a fifth of their education in 2023/24—the year preceding the latest DfE data—due to long-term illness.
Joshua Pelled, chief executive of Bright Futures UK, emphasized the challenges faced by children with long-term illnesses within the SEND system.
"Children with long-term illnesses can feel 'completely forgotten and overlooked' within the SEND system," he said.
"Not putting the correct support in place for a young person can lead to severe mental health complications and emotionally-based school avoidance."
"Even a young person facing a physical illness, if they don't get the right support in place, they become anxious, nervous and they have less confidence about being in school and keeping up with friends."
Attendance Trends Since the Pandemic
Maintaining school attendance has been a significant challenge since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, overall absence rates in state schools have improved year on year, with the most recent figures showing the largest attendance improvement in over a decade, according to the DfE.
Despite this, the number of children missing half or more of their education has risen to over 175,000 students, with a substantial proportion being children with SEND.
The DfE reports that over 5,000 more pupils with EHCPs missed half or more of their schooling in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, while the number of severely absent pupils without additional needs improved.
A DfE spokesperson commented:
"We know there's more to do particularly for children with SEND."
"We have launched the biggest reform to the SEND system in a generation with work already underway, ensuring children get the right support earlier, in a school near them."
The spokesperson added that initiatives such as free breakfast clubs, attendance and behaviour hubs are addressing root causes of absence and fostering a system where every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of background or needs.
