According to data from the Department for Education, over 18,000 pupils in Oxfordshire were persistently absent during the 2021-22 academic year. This represents 22.1% of the 84,000 pupils in the county, a significant increase from 10.3% in 2020-21 and 10.5% in 2018-19, the last full academic year before the pandemic. Overall, the county’s absence rate also rose sharply, increasing from 4.3% to 7.8%.
The data also showed a worrying rise in severe absenteeism—students missing 50% or more of their lessons. In Oxfordshire, 1,388 pupils, or 2% of the total, were severely absent throughout the 2021-22 academic year, compared to 789 in 2020-21. These local trends reflect the national picture, where 1.6 million pupils in England were persistently absent during this period, compared to 800,000 in 2018-19. Similarly, 120,000 students nationwide were severely absent last year, up from 80,000 in 2020-21 and 60,000 in 2018-19.
Challenges in addressing persistent absenteeism have been highlighted by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). According to Julie McCulloch, ASCL’s Director of Policy, schools are grappling with the issue with insufficient support from local authorities. She attributed this lack of support to government funding cuts, which have reduced local authority attendance services. Ms. McCulloch noted that the pandemic has exacerbated the issue, but pointed out additional factors such as rising levels of poor mental health, poverty, neglect, and abuse. She stressed the importance of a nationwide attendance strategy that supports both struggling families and schools in addressing these challenges.
Ellie Mulcahy, Director of Research at the think tank Centre for Education and Youth, described the increase in absenteeism as “disturbing.” Highlighting the impact of even a few missed school days on students’ educational progress, Ms. Mulcahy emphasized the urgency of tackling this issue.
The Department for Education responded by stating that the majority of children are attending school and learning. They affirmed their collaboration with schools, governing bodies, trusts, and local authorities to identify persistently absent students and help them return to regular education. However, given the breadth of the problem, many stakeholders have called for more robust actions.
For families and educators in Wantage aiming to support students dealing with challenges that contribute to absenteeism, local resources may help. Explore our Support Groups and Services category for guidance, or browse other local listings in the Wantage Business Directory. School and community groups are encouraged to raise awareness about educational opportunities and family support by submitting a free event listing here.
