Exclusions and suspensions in Autumn 2025/26
Early signs for 2025/26 suggest that suspensions are continuing to fall from their 2023/24 peak
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
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
Is the start of term critical for tackling persistent absence?
Absence at the start of term is no more predictive of persistent absence than at any other time of year.
Usage of new attendance codes: An update
New statutory guidance for schools in relation to recording and managing attendance (and absence) came into effect in September last year. We take a look at the use of codes to record absences in attendance registers.
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.
School absences, exclusions and crime amongst high-achieving children from disadvantaged backgrounds
Highlights from new research into high-achieving children from disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on school absences, exclusions and cautions/sentences from the police.