Autumn term 2022/23

Pupil absence in schools in England

Data guidance

Published 20 July 2023

Description

This document describes the data included in the ‘Pupil absence in schools in England’ National Statistics release’s underlying data files. This data is released under the terms of the Open Government License (opens in a new tab) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab). The methodology should be referenced alongside this data. It provides information on the data sources, their coverage and quality as well as explaining methodology used in producing the data.

Coverage

This release provides information on the levels of overall, authorised and unauthorised absence in:

state-funded primary schools
state-funded secondary schools
special schools

It includes information on:

reasons for absence
persistent absentees
separate absence information for pupil referral units (including alternative provision academies and free schools)

The information is based on pupil level absence data collected via the school census.

File formats and conventions

Rounding and Suppression

This dataset has not had suppression applied. Rates are presented to one decimal place in the report but are unrounded in the underlying data files

Conventions

The following convention is used throughout the underlying data.

‘x’ Not available.

‘z’ Not applicable

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

Absence rates by geographic level - autumn term

Filename: 1_absence_1term_nat_reg_la_.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2006/07 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.
National, Regional and Local Authority data from 2006/07.
School data is included from 2016/17. Primary and secondary only before 2016/17.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate	Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate	Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate	Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate	Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate	Illness rate
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate	Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate	Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate	Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate	Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate	Traveller rate
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate	Overall reasons rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate	Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate	Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate	No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate	Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate	Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Total includes state-funded primary and secondary schools. Does not include special schools. Available from 2006/07 to present (data for special schools is available from 2016/17 onwards).
Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates - school level - autumn term

Filename: 1_absence_1term_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Absence information for autumn term for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15. Includes school level data.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate	Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate	Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate	Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate	Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate	Illness rate
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate	Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate	Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate	Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate	Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate	Traveller rate
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate	Overall reasons rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate	Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate	Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate	No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate	Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate	Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates by pupil characteristic - autumn term

Filename: absence_1term_nat_reg_la_characteristics.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2019/20 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Absence information by characteristics for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.
Characteristics included are gender, year group, free school meal eligibility, SEN provision, SEN type of need, ethnicity and language.
National, regional and local authority data from autumn 2019 to autumn 2022

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
breakdown	Characteristic - Filter by pupil characteristic
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of persistent absentees (50% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (50% missed)
school_type	School type - Filter by school type
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_authorised_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_authorised_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_authorised_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_authorised_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_authorised_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact	Number of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Authorised absence rate exact
sess_authorised_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_authorised_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_authorised_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_authorised_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact	Number of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact	Overall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact	Number of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauthorised_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauthorised_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauthorised_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact	Number of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Unauthorised absence rate exact
sess_unauthorised_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

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Absence rates by geographic level - termly

Filename: 6_absence_1term_reason_by_term.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2012/13 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Termly absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Persistent absence rate
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severe absentees
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Severe absence rate
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate	Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate	Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate	Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate	Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate	Illness rate
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate	Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate	Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate	Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate	Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate	Traveller rate
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate	Overall reasons rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate	Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate	Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate	No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate	Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate	Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - autumn term

Filename: 2_absence_1term_one_plus_sessions_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2006/07 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence. National, Regional and Local Authority data from 2006/07.
School data from 2016/17.
Primary and secondary only before 2016/17.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrol_auth_appointments	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised	Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall	Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised	Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Total includes state-funded primary and secondary schools. Does not include special schools. Available from 2006/07 to present (data for special schools is available from 2016/17 onwards).
Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - school level - autumn term

Filename: 2_absence_1term_one_plus_sessions_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence. Includes school level data.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrol_auth_appointments	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised	Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall	Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised	Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates as a percentage of possible sessions by band - autumn term

Filename: 3_absence_1term_one_pc_bands.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2006/07 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: The number of pupil enrolments by their absence in the term as a percentage of possible sessions. Covers overall absence, authorised absence and unauthorised absence.
Data by one percent bands.
Primary and secondary only before 2016/17.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments_authorised	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illness	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overall	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covid	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorised	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bands	Absence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Total includes state-funded primary and secondary schools. Does not include special schools. Available from 2006/07 to present (data for special schools is available from 2016/17 onwards).
Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates for four year olds - autumn term

Filename: 4_absence_1term_4year_olds_nat_reg_la_.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2012/13 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
National, Regional and Local Authority data from 2012/13.
Primary and secondary only before 2016/17. Collected from 2012/13

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible

Footnotes

Total includes state-funded primary and secondary schools. Does not include special schools. Available from 2006/07 to present (data for special schools is available from 2016/17 onwards).
Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.

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Absence rates for four year olds - school level - autumn term

Filename: 4_absence_1term_4year_olds_school_.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
School data from 2016/17.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible

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Absence rates in pupil referral units (PRUs) - autumn term

Filename: 5_absence_1term_pru.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2013/14 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Absence information for pupil referral units (including alternative provision academies and free schools). Data has been collected from 2013/14.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates in pupil referral units (PRUs) - school level - autumn term

Filename: 5_absence_1term_pru_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: Absence information for pupil referral units (including alternative provision academies and free schools) at school level. Data has been collected from 2013/14.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates by geographic level - full academic years

Filename: 1_absence_3term_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2006/07 to 2021/22
Content: Absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate	Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate	Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate	Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate	Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate	Illness rate
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate	Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate	Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate	Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate	Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate	Traveller rate
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact	Number of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Authorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact	Number of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact	Overall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate	Overall reasons rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact	Number of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate	Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate	Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate	No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate	Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate	Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact	Number of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Unauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates - school level - full academic years

Filename: 1_absence_3term_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2021/22
Content: Absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15. Includes school level data.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate	Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate	Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate	Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate	Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate	Illness rate
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate	Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate	Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate	Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate	Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate	Traveller rate
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact	Number of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Authorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact	Number of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact	Overall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate	Overall reasons rate
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact	Number of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate	Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate	Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate	No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate	Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate	Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact	Number of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Unauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - full academic years

Filename: 2_absence_3term_one_plus_sessions_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2012/13 to 2021/22
Content: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrol_auth_appointments	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised	Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall	Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised	Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - school level - full academic years

Filename: 2_absence_3term_one_plus_sessions_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2021/22
Content: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence. Includes school level data.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrol_auth_appointments	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised	Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall	Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised	Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional	Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools	Number of schools
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates as a percentage of possible sessions by band - full academic years

Filename: 3_absence_3term_one_pc_bands.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2013/14 to 2021/22
Content: The number of pupil enrolments by overall, authorised and unauthorised absence percentage point bands.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments_authorised	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illness	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overall	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covid	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorised	Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percent	Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bands	Absence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence
school_type	School type - Filter by school type

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates in pupil referral units (PRUs) - full academic years

Filename: 5_absence_3term_pru.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2013/14 to 2021/22
Content: Absence rates for pupil referral units

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates in pupil referral units (PRUs) - school level - full academic years

Filename: 5_absence_3term_pru_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2021/22
Content: Absence rates for pupil referral units. Includes school level data.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools	Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate	Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Absence rates by pupil characteristic - full academic years

Filename: 6_absence_3term_characteristics.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2017/18 to 2021/22
Content: Absence information for the full academic year, by pupil characteristics including SEN, FSM, language, year group, gender and ethnicity for England.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
characteristic	Characteristic - Filter by characteristic
enrolments	Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact	Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent	Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact	Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent	Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
school_type	School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
sess_auth_appointments	Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded	Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday	Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday	Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness	Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other	Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious	Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study	Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons	Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller	Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised	Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact	Number of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percent	Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Authorised absence rate exact
sess_overall	Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact	Number of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percent	Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact	Overall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasons	Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible	Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact	Number of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holiday	Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late	Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet	Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other	Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons	Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised	Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact	Number of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percent	Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact	Unauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covid	Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional	Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes

Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.

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Persistent absence only (including code x) since Autumn 2016 - autumn term

Filename: 7_absence_1term_pa_chart_underlying.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2022/23 Autumn term
Content: National persistent absence figures in Autumn terms from 2016/17 to 2022/23. Includes persistent absence and additional non-attendance in circumstances relating to coronavirus (attendance code X).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
code_x_persistent_absence	Additional as a result of Code X
persistent_absence	Persistent absence rate
total_persistent_absence	Including Code X

Footnotes

Absence refers to children who are absent for authorised and unauthorised reasons, this includes children who are absent with a positive COVID case, but does not include children who are isolating but have not had a confirmed positive case, e.g. as a contact.
COVID non-attendance refers to children who are not attending school due to public health guidelines. For the autumn term 2021, this should mostly have been used to record where a pupil was absent from school with symptoms of COVID-19 whilst awaiting the results of a test or as a contact. This differs to previous terms when this code was also used where pupils were advised to shield, were quarantining after returning from abroad, or were in class bubbles advised to isolate. In these circumstances schools are expected to provide remote education.
31.6% and 8.7% relate to the additional pupils when COVID non-attendance is included. Some of these pupils will have reached 10% or more by a combination of COVID non-attendance and absence.

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