Commenting on pupil attendance statistics from the
Department for Education published today, Geoff Barton, General
Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“We are pleased and relieved that pupil attendance in the
academic year so far is 93.9% as last academic year was heavily
impacted by Covid rates with attendance often below 90%. Covid
was not the only reason. Absence has also been driven by factors
such as poor emotional and mental health wellbeing, stress and
anxiety, often driven by the impact of the pandemic. Schools have
put a great deal of effort into encouraging and supporting pupils
to attend consistently because this is so vital in terms of good
outcomes. They deserve great credit.
“We are concerned that the latest Covid statistics suggest
infection rates are increasing in the general population.
Experience tells us that this will result in more pupil and staff
absence in schools and colleges causing more disruption. We have
repeatedly called on the government to address the fact that many
of our school and college buildings are relatively old and suffer
from poor ventilation, but it has done very little. We have also
repeatedly called for more financial support for the cost of
covering staff absence but instead schools and colleges are
facing the prospect of having to make cuts because of steeply
rising costs and no additional government money.”
