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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Eleanor Busby

School 'severe absences' at highest rate since Covid-19 pandemic

DfE Covid-19 Pandemic Department for Education Paul Whiteman Send Association of School and College Leaders Centre for Social Justice

The percentage of English school pupils missing at least half their classes rose again last year, Government data suggests.

Around 168,000, some 2.32 per cent of pupils, were recorded as being "severely absent" across the autumn and spring terms of 2025/26, compared with 2.26 per cent in 2024/25.

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