Primary children skipping school

Released 25/08/2010

Figures show a rise in unauthorised primary absences

Primary school children are skipping more lessons now than a year ago, according to the latest figures.

The statistics, from the Department for Education, shows that just over 24,200 primary school children in England skipped classes without permission on a typical day in the spring term this year, compared to almost 21,900 pupils in the same time last year.

In secondary schools, the number of unauthorised absence rate has fallen, with 44,977 pupils missed classes without permission on an average day this spring term, compared to 46,139 last spring term.

Some 1.56 per cent of half days were missed without permission this year, compared to 1.59 per cent last spring term.

In total, almost 69,000 primary and secondary pupils in England missed classes without permission each day.

Family holidays are one of main reasons for the increase, with around 1.4m school days lost this spring due to holidays - and a quarter of these days were not approved by teachers.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said the level of absenteeism in schools was "still too high".

"It's crucial that children are not missing out on valuable lessons that could leave them vulnerable to falling behind. We are putting in place a series of measures to raise standards of behaviour, to put headteachers and teachers back in control of the classroom, and to ensure classrooms are safe and calm places where children can learn," said Gibb.

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