Understanding unauthorised absence
We look at patterns in unauthorised absence, including the numbers of students missing school for unauthorised reasons very frequently, and the contribution such pupils make to headline absence figures
“Fair banding” schools
In collaboration with TES magazine last year, we analysed the characteristics of pupils in schools which used banding tests in their admissions processes. Here we set out our full methodology and findings.
Pupil absence in Autumn Term 2025/26
A summary of patterns in pupil attendance across Autumn Term this year, including the impact of an unusually early flu season
Exploring the relationship between Year 11 absence and GCSE results
We explore how much of a relationship exists between absence in Year 11 and Key Stage 4 attainment once absence in Year 10 has been accounted for.
Pupil absence at the start of Autumn Term 2025
We bring you the latest insights from FFT Attendance Tracker, including overall absence and persistent absence figures for the first Autumn half-term
Five things to look out for on GCSE results day
Our usual round-up of what to expect from GCSE results day
The relationship between absence in Year 6 and Year 7
We aim to provide secondary schools with some guidelines about what level of pupil attendance in Year 6 may be cause for concern in their incoming Year 7 cohorts.
Who gets study leave in Year 11?
In response to a reader request, we look at how consistently study leave has been granted to Year 11 pupils taking public exams this year
What happened to “opportunity areas”?
A summary of how pupil attainment and progress have changed over time in "opportunity areas" and "education investment areas" - from designation, through the pandemic, to the most recent set of results