School absence since the pandemic

What individual and family factors contribute to school absence?

• Absence rates vary significantly by social background, with higher rates among unskilled manual and non-employed families, those whose mothers have lower levels of education, families experiencing financial strain (that is, having difficulties making ends meet) and lone-parent households.

• Young people with a disability are much more likely to miss school than their peers. Young people for whom a disability emerged or was identified between 9 and 13 years tend to have increasing absence rates.

• Young people are more likely to miss school if their parents have a harsher parenting style (for example, shouting at their child rather than explaining things) and there is a lack of routine around bedtimes and breakfast.

• Experiencing adverse life events (like bereavement or addiction) is a significant predictor of school absence.

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