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
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
Pupil absence in Autumn and Spring 2024/25
A summary of pupil attendance so far this year using data from our Attendance Tracker schools. Absence and persistent absence seem to have improved very slightly since last year, but remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Exclusions and suspensions in Autumn 2024/25
Rates of exclusion and suspension have been rising since the pandemic. There are signs from the Autumn term that rates might be plateauing.
The effect on absence of going to a new school
Year 7 pupils had low rates of absence in the first half-term after secondary transfer last year but they then quickly accelerated