Research, Evidence & Policy
Good attendance practice should be informed by evidence, not assumption. Find important attendance research, current national policy, official statistics and practical guidance — and consider what the evidence means for what schools and professionals actually do.
A hub of evidence and opportunity
Attendance is complex. There is rarely one intervention, one policy or one explanation that applies to every pupil. This hub brings together research, pupil and parent voice, official statistics and current policy so leaders can make better-informed decisions about attendance, belonging, SEND, disadvantage, mental health, family engagement and school improvement.
Start with what we actually know.
The evidence base on attendance is growing, but it is not equally strong in every area. Understand what research found, where it was undertaken, and what it can — and cannot — reasonably tell you about your own setting.
Key Research Evidence 2016–2026
Explore important attendance research, national studies, official statistics and evidence summaries.
Supporting School Attendance
Explore the EEF evidence review of approaches designed to improve school attendance.
Attendance & Attainment
Explore DfE research examining the relationship between attendance and educational achievement.
Parent, Pupil & Learner Voice
Explore national pupil, parent and 16–19 learner evidence including attendance, belonging and wellbeing.
School & College Voice
National survey evidence from leaders and classroom teachers across current education priorities.
Explore School & College Voice →What Actually Works?
Move from research into practical questions about attendance intervention and impact.
Use current data to ask better questions.
National statistics give useful context, but they do not explain the circumstances of individual pupils or communities.
DfE Pupil Attendance Statistics
Access the latest published national, regional and local authority attendance information for England.
Open Latest Attendance Statistics →Attendance Data Tables
Explore attendance datasets and investigate differences between phases, groups and geographical areas.
Explore Attendance Data →The important policy sources in one place.
Use current official sources when making decisions about statutory duties, attendance coding, safeguarding, inspection or legal intervention.
Working Together to Improve School Attendance
The central statutory attendance guidance for England sets out responsibilities for schools, academy trusts, governing bodies, local authorities, parents and carers.
Open Working Together →Policy & Guidance Centre 2026
Access the Portal's policy centre covering attendance, SEND, safeguarding, inspection and related guidance.
Open Policy & Guidance →RISE Attendance Improvement
Attendance improvement guidance, data, communication resources, toolkits and support.
Open RISE Attendance Improvement →Attendance & Behaviour Hubs
Explore national support linking schools with attendance and behaviour practice and improvement expertise.
Open Attendance & Behaviour Hubs →Communicating With Parents About Attendance
DfE resources designed to strengthen attendance communication and family partnership.
Mental Health Issues Affecting Attendance
Guidance for schools where social, emotional or mental-health needs affect a pupil's attendance.
Open Mental Health Guidance →Children Missing Education
Statutory guidance for schools and local authorities relating to children missing education.
Open CME Guidance →School Inspection Toolkit & Operating Guides
Access current official Ofsted inspection materials rather than relying on an outdated handbook or third-party summary.
Open Ofsted Materials →RISE Guidance for Partner Schools
Explore self-assessment, action planning and attendance and behaviour support available to partner schools.
Open RISE Partner Guidance →Four nations. Different systems. Shared learning.
Attendance policy differs across the UK. Use the correct national guidance for your setting while also learning from approaches elsewhere.
England
Statutory attendance guidance, RISE support and national attendance data.
England Guidance →Scotland
National guidance for promoting and managing attendance in Scotland's schools.
Scotland Guidance →Northern Ireland
Department of Education guidance covering attendance and absence recording.
Northern Ireland Guidance →The Portal's UK Attendance Practice Insights area brings together learning from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Explore UK Practice →Don't just collect research. Use it.
Evidence matters when it improves the questions leaders ask and the actions schools take.
What is the barrier?
Understand what is actually making attendance difficult rather than assuming every pupil needs the same intervention.
What evidence supports the response?
Consider research, professional knowledge, pupil voice and the individual circumstances of the child.
Did it work?
Activity is not impact. Look for meaningful change in attendance, participation or belonging.
What does pupil voice tell us?
Numbers show the pattern. Conversations may help explain it.
What might school need to change?
Consider SEND, curriculum, relationships, behaviour, bullying, transition and the school environment.
What happens next?
Do not continue an intervention indefinitely simply because activity has taken place.
Research should lead to better questions — and better action.
Continue through the National Attendance Portal to practical attendance leadership, CPD, casework, family partnership and improvement resources.