The number of children missing school in Scotland is at a near-record level, with almost one in three being ‘persistently absent’, according to figures released by the Scottish Government. The data for the 2023-24 academic year shows a small decrease in the number of secondary school students who have been absent for 10% of the school year.
The figures reveal that over 40% of secondary school pupils missed 10% of the school year, with absenteeism rates rising following the COVID-19 pandemic that led to extended school closures in 2020 and 2021. Before the lockdowns, persistent absence levels were between 19% and 22%, but by 2023/24, secondary school rates had soared to 40%. Shockingly, one in 40 students were absent for more than half of the school year, which amounts to at least 95 days.
The data also highlights regional variations in absenteeism, with East Renfrewshire having the lowest rate of persistent absence at 20%, while North Ayrshire recorded the highest rate at 37.9%. Glasgow City Council reported a consistent increase in school absence over the past five years.
Despite the concerning absence figures, there has been a reduction in the attainment gap between the wealthiest and most disadvantaged pupils in Scotland. The Scottish Government had set a target to narrow this gap, and while progress has been made, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
Gilruth commended teachers and schools for their efforts in achieving high levels of literacy and numeracy among students. She emphasised the government’s commitment to closing the poverty-related attainment gap, citing investments in initiatives such as the Scottish Attainment Challenge, free school meals, and breakfast clubs. The Education Secretary noted that while improvements have been significant, there is still room for further progress.
In summary, the rise in school absenteeism in Scotland, particularly among secondary school pupils, is a cause for concern. While efforts to reduce the attainment gap have shown some success, more work is needed to ensure that all students have equal access to education and support services. Addressing the root causes of absenteeism and continuing to invest in educational initiatives are crucial steps towards improving overall school attendance and academic outcomes.