Autumn and spring term 2023/24

Pupil absence in schools in England

Data guidance

Published

Description

This document describes the data included in the ‘Pupil absence in schools in England’ accredited official statistics release’s underlying data files. This data is released under the terms of the Open Government License (opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab) (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:

  • reasons for absence
  • absence by pupil characteristic
  • rates of persistent and severe absence
  • separate absence information for state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units, 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 by geographic level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
1_absence_2term_main_rates2.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring 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.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rateExtended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence by school level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
1_absence_2term_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
School level 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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rateExtended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Absence by geographic level - termly

Filename
1b_absence_2term_main_termly2.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2018/19 Autumn term to 2023/24 Spring 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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rateExtended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence by pupil characteristics - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
6_absence_2term_characteristics.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
Absence information by pupil characteristics including SEN provision, free school meal (FSM) eligibility, language, year group, sex and ethnicity
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_breakdownCharacteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees (50% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees (50% missed)
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exactNumber of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exactAuthorised absence rate exact
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exactNumber of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exactOverall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exactNumber of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exactNumber of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exactUnauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.
  3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
  4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
  5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Absence in state-funded alternative provision - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
4_absence_2term_pru2.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013/14 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
Absence information for state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units, alternative provision academies and free schools).
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Absence for four year olds - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
5_absence_2term_4year_olds.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.

Absence for four year olds - school level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
5_absence_2term_4year_olds_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
School level overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible

Absence as a percentage of possible sessions by band - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename
3_absence_2term_onepercent_bands.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
The number of pupil enrolments by their absence in the two term period as a percentage of possible sessions. Covers overall absence, authorised absence and unauthorised absence. Data by one percent bands.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolments_authorisedNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illnessNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overallNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covidNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorisedNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bandsAbsence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence 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 2022/23
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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rateExtended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exactNumber of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exactAuthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exactNumber of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exactOverall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exactNumber of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exactNumber of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exactUnauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence by school level - full academic years

Filename
1_absence_3term_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2013/14 to 2022/23
Content
Absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary and secondary schools and special schools (from 2016/17) 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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rateExtended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exactNumber of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exactAuthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exactNumber of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exactOverall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exactNumber of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exactNumber of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exactUnauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Enrolments with one or more sessions of 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 2022/23
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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointmentsNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excludedNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illnessNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religiousNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_studyNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_travellerNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overallNumber of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_lateNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyetNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covidNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptionalNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Enrolments with one or more session of absence - school level - full academic years

Filename
2_absence_3term_one_plus_sessions_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2013/14 to 2022/23
Content
The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence, at school level.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointmentsNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excludedNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illnessNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religiousNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_studyNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_travellerNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overallNumber of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_lateNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyetNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covidNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptionalNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Absence 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 2022/23
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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolments_authorisedNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illnessNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overallNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covidNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorisedNumber of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percentPercentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bandsAbsence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence for four year olds - full academic years

Filename
4_absence_3term_4year_olds_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2012/13 to 2022/23
Content
Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.

Absence for four year olds - school level - full academic years

Filename
4_absence_3term_4year_olds_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2013/14 to 2022/23
Content
School level overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible

Absence in state-funded alternative provision - full academic years

Filename
5_absence_3term_pru_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2013/14 to 2022/23
Content
Absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units) with 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 nameVariable description
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Absence in state-funded alternative provision - school level - full academic years

Filename
5_absence_3term_pru_school.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2013/14 to 2022/23
Content
School level absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units) with 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 nameVariable description
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schoolsNumber of schools
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Absence by pupil characteristics - full academic years

Filename
6_absence_3term_characteristics_.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2022/23
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 sex, year group, free school meal (FSM) eligibility, SEN provision, ethnicity and language.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristicCharacteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rateMedical appointments rate
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rateExcluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rateAuthorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rateIllness rate
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rateAuthorised other rate
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rateReligious observance rate
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rateStudy leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rateAuthorised reasons rate
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rateTraveller rate
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exactNumber of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exactAuthorised absence rate exact
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exactNumber of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exactOverall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rateOverall reasons rate
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exactNumber of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rateUnauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rateLate rate
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rateNo reason yet rate
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rateUnauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rateUnauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exactNumber of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exactUnauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
sess_y_exceptional_rateRate of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.
  3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
  4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
  5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.

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

Filename
2_absence_2term_oneplussessions_school_level.csv
Geographic levels
School
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointmentsNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excludedNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illnessNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religiousNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_studyNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_travellerNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overallNumber of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_lateNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyetNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covidNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptionalNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
Footnotes
  1. 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.

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

Filename
2_absence_2term_oneplussessions.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; National; Regional
Time period
2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content
School level 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 nameVariable description
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointmentsNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excludedNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illnessNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religiousNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_studyNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_travellerNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overallNumber of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holidayNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_lateNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyetNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_otherNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorisedNumber of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covidNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptionalNumber of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
num_schoolsNumber of schools
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.

Absence rates by pupil characteristic - spring term

Filename
6b_absence_2term_characteristics_termly.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2020/21 Spring term to 2023/24 Spring 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 sex, year group, free school meal eligibility, SEN provision, ethnicity and language.
Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_breakdownCharacteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phaseSchool type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolmentsNumber of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exactNumber of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percentPercentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exactNumber of severe absentees (50% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percentPercentage of severe absentees (50% missed)
sess_auth_appointmentsNumber of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excludedNumber of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holidayNumber of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holidayNumber of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illnessNumber of illness sessions
sess_auth_otherNumber of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religiousNumber of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_studyNumber of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasonsNumber of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_travellerNumber of traveller sessions
sess_authorisedNumber of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exactNumber of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percentAuthorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exactAuthorised absence rate exact
sess_overallNumber of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exactNumber of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percentOverall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exactOverall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasonsNumber of overall reasons sessions
sess_possibleNumber of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exactNumber of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holidayNumber of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_lateNumber of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyetNumber of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_otherNumber of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasonsNumber of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorisedNumber of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exactNumber of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percentUnauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exactUnauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covidNumber of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rateRate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptionalNumber of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
Footnotes
  1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
  2. 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.
  3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
  4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
  5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.