Pupil absence rates in England drop by 0.4% in overall absence and 1.8% in persistent absences over the year, new figures show.
The Department for Education has released new statistics on pupil attendance for the academic year 2024/2025 to date (9th September to 18th May), showing an 18% persistent and a 6.7% overall absence rate and a 93.3% attendance rate so far.
Of all absences, 4.5% were authorised whilst 2.2% were unauthorised.
In state-funded primary schools, the absence rate was 5.1%, of which 3.8% were authorised and 1.4% unauthorised. In secondary schools this was 8.3%, whilst in special schools it was 12.9%.
At Polimapper, we have visualised pupil attendance figures by upper-tier local authority in England, for the academic year 2024/2025 to date.
In primary and secondary education, Knowsley saw the highest absence rates in the country, at 10.9% and 6.3% respectively. Portsmouth saw the lowest attendance rate in special schools, at 78%.
Unauthorised absences were highest in Knowsley, Blackpool and Newham, reaching 2.7% in primary education and 7.5% in secondary education.
Polimapper’s visualisation highlights key trends on a geographical level, informing discussions on education topics. To learn more about the situation in your area, take a look below.
Alternatively, if you would like to visualise your own education data feel free to reach out.
About this map
The map below shows pupil attendance statistics by local authority in England.
To view figures in your area double click on the map or click here to access the full page version.
Geodata context
The DfE’s new figures come as government announces investment of £1.2 billion to schools and hospitals. As part of Labour’s ‘Plan for Change’, classrooms and school facilities across England will be upgraded to be more safe and warm.
Bridget Phillipson, education secretary: “The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn’t good enough.”
“Parents expect their children to learn in a safe warm environment. It’s what children deserve, and it is what we are delivering.”
This investment is about more than just buildings – it’s about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.”