The UK government has announced that all mainstream state schools in England will receive specific targets aimed at improving pupil attendance. This initiative comes in response to a significant rise in persistent absence rates since the pandemic, which have increased from around 10% in 2018/19 to 19% in 2025/26.
Schools will not face penalties for failing to meet these targets but will be monitored, with support provided to help them improve attendance. The government is also encouraging schools to enhance Friday activities to address lower attendance rates at the end of the week.
With the new attendance targets in place, schools should focus on innovative Friday activities to boost engagement. Parents can monitor their child's attendance closely and advocate for support if needed, especially for those facing challenges like SEND or mental health issues.