The Numbers That Matter
Here's a fact that surprises many parents: missing just one day a fortnight means your child has attendance of 90%. That sounds reasonable, but it actually means they miss 19 days — nearly four weeks of school every year.
Over a primary school career (Reception to Year 6), that adds up to 133 days missed — more than two-thirds of an entire school year.
The data on the impact is clear:
- Pupils with attendance above 95% are significantly more likely to achieve the expected standard at KS2
- Just 10 days' absence per year is linked to a drop of approximately half a GCSE grade across all subjects
- Persistent absentees (below 90% attendance) are roughly three times less likely to achieve five good GCSEs
What Schools Monitor
Overall attendance
Schools track each pupil's attendance as a percentage. The national average is typically around 93-94%, though this varies year by year.
Persistent absence
A pupil is classified as a persistent absentee if their attendance falls below 90%. Schools are required to identify and support persistent absentees, and Ofsted looks closely at persistent absence rates.
Severe absence
A pupil is severely absent if their attendance is below 50%. This is a safeguarding concern.
Authorised vs. Unauthorised Absence
Authorised absence
The head teacher can agree to authorise absence for:
- Illness (though for mild complaints like colds, schools generally expect children to attend)
- Medical or dental appointments (where possible, arrange these outside school hours)
- Religious observance
- Exceptional circumstances (funerals, family emergencies)
Unauthorised absence
Includes:
- Holidays during term time (in most cases)
- Unexplained absence
- Arriving late after registration closes
- Shopping trips, birthdays, day trips
Term-Time Holidays and Fines
Since 2013, head teachers can only approve term-time absence in exceptional circumstances. The definition of "exceptional" is at the head teacher's discretion, but routine family holidays rarely qualify.
If absence is unauthorised, the local authority can issue a penalty notice (fine):
- £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
- £160 if paid within 28 days
- Failure to pay can result in prosecution
Since September 2024, national framework changes mean fines are applied more consistently, with a maximum of two fines per parent per child in any three-year period before alternative action is considered.
Supporting Good Attendance
At home
- Establish routines — regular bedtime, bag packed the night before, consistent morning routine
- Set expectations — school attendance is non-negotiable except for genuine illness
- Address anxiety — if your child doesn't want to go, find out why and work with the school
- Book appointments outside school hours where possible
- Don't keep children home for minor complaints — a runny nose isn't a reason to miss school
When illness is genuine
If your child is genuinely unwell:
- Contact the school on the first day of absence (by phone, before registration)
- Provide medical evidence if requested for extended absence
- Keep the school updated
If attendance is becoming a problem
- Talk to your child's teacher or the school's attendance officer
- Ask about support available (e.g. mentoring, family support workers)
- Consider whether there are underlying issues (bullying, anxiety, SEN, family difficulties)
- Engage with the school — they want to help
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK — school attendance
- NHS — when to keep your child off school
- Family Lives — support with school-related issues
- Check your school's attendance rate on the What School
Every day in school is a day of learning, friendship, and growth. While there will always be days when your child genuinely can't attend, making school attendance a priority from the very beginning sets a pattern that benefits them for life.