The latest national statistics on Pupil Absence produced by the Department for Education were released on 25th May 2011 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics AuthorityUK Statistics Authority

DfE: Pupil Absence in Schools in England - Autumn Term 2010

DescriptionThis Statistical First Release (SFR) reports absence during the autumn term 2010 in maintained primary schools, maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges and academies in England. It is based on pupil level absence data collected via the spring 2011 School Census. This release provides local level information on the rates of absence (authorised, unauthorised and overall) by type of school; number of persistent absentees and the number on track to becoming persistent absentees; and the proportion of absence by reason.

Data for autumn term 2009 were published in May 2010.

The key points from the latest release are:
  • The overall absence rate has decreased, going from 6.13% to 6.11%
  • The authorised absence rate has decreased, going from 5.20% to 5.07%
  • The unauthorised absence rate has increased, going from 0.93% to 1.04%
Download Formats PDF (215Kb) | Explain formats
Additional informationEXCEL (National level analysis of absence and persistent absentee figures by type of school, and by reason for absence.)
Additional informationEXCEL (Additional information on Local Authority level absence and persistent absentee figures.)
Publication’s Underlying Data
Additional informationZip Archive  (National, regional and local authority level underlying data, including reasons for absence.)
Reference IDSFR07/2011
Coverage Country England
Date Released25 May 2011
Main Category Children, Education and Skills
Sub CategorySchools    Click on subcategory link to see if there is later information
TypeStatistical First Release
ContactAndrew Clarke - Schools Statistical Team  schools.statistics@education.gsi.gov.uk  tel: 01325 735478
PreRelease AccessClick here
 Publication includes individual Local Authority informationPublication includes individual Local Authority information

To access this publication click on the links next to "Download Formats" above