Pupil absence in schools in England
Autumn and spring term 2023/24

Description

This document describes the data included in the ‘Pupil absence in schools in England’ accredited official statistics release’s underlying data files. This data is released under the terms of the Open Government License (opens in a new tab) (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-government-transparency-and-accountability/2010-to-2015-government-policy-government-transparency-and-accountability#appendix-3-releasing-data-in-open-and-anonymised-formats). The methodology (https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/methodology/pupil-absence-in-schools-in-england) should be referenced alongside this data. It provides information on the data sources, their coverage and quality as well as explaining methodology used in producing the data.

Coverage

This release provides information on the levels of overall, authorised and unauthorised absence in:

- state-funded primary schools
- state-funded secondary schools
- special schools

It includes:

- reasons for absence
- absence by pupil characteristic
- rates of persistent and severe absence
- separate absence information for state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units, alternative provision academies and free schools)

The information is based on pupil level absence data collected via the school census.

File formats and conventions

Rounding and Suppression

This dataset has not had suppression applied. Rates are presented to one decimal place in the report but are unrounded in the underlying data files

Conventions

The following convention is used throughout the underlying data.

‘x’  Not available.

‘z’  Not applicable

Data files

Absence by geographic level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 1_absence_2term_main_rates2.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: Absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                 |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                      |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
num_schools                     |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate     |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate         |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate      |  Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate          |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate          |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate            |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate        |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate            |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate     |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate        |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate  |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate        |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate           |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate          |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate          |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate   |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate               |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by school level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 1_absence_2term_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: School level absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                 |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                      |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools                     |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate     |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate         |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate      |  Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate          |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate          |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate            |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate        |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate            |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate     |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate        |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate  |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate        |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate           |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate          |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate          |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate   |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate               |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by geographic level - termly

Filename: 1b_absence_2term_main_termly2.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2018/19 Autumn term to 2023/24 Spring term
Content summary: Termly absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                 |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate     |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate         |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate      |  Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate          |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate          |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate            |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate        |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate            |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate     |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate        |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate  |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate        |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate           |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate          |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate          |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate   |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate               |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by pupil characteristics - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 6_absence_2term_characteristics.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: Absence information by pupil characteristics including SEN provision, free school meal (FSM) eligibility, language, year group, sex and ethnicity

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                          |  Variable description
-------------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
characteristic_breakdown               |  Characteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phase                        |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                             |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact                 |  Number of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent         |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact                 |  Number of severe absentees (50% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent         |  Percentage of severe absentees (50% missed)
sess_auth_appointments                 |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded                     |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday                  |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday                      |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness                      |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other                        |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious                    |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study                        |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons                 |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller                    |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised                        |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact            |  Number of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percent                |  Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact    |  Authorised absence rate exact
sess_overall                           |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact               |  Number of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percent                   |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact       |  Overall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasons              |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible                          |  Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact              |  Number of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holiday                    |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late                       |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet                      |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other                      |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons               |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised                      |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact          |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percent              |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact  |  Unauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covid                           |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate                      |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional                     |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.
3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.


Absence in state-funded alternative provision - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 4_absence_2term_pru2.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2013/14 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: Absence information for state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units, alternative provision academies and free schools).

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
enrolments                      |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severe absentees - 50% or more sessions missed
num_schools                     |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence for four year olds - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 5_absence_2term_4year_olds.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name         |  Variable description
--------------------  |  -----------------------------------
education_phase       |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments            |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools           |  Number of schools
sess_overall          |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent  |  Overall absence rate
sess_possible         |  Number of sessions possible

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.


Absence for four year olds  - school level - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 5_absence_2term_4year_olds_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: School level overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name         |  Variable description
--------------------  |  -----------------------------------
education_phase       |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments            |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools           |  Number of schools
sess_overall          |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent  |  Overall absence rate
sess_possible         |  Number of sessions possible


Absence as a percentage of possible sessions by band - autumn and spring terms combined

Filename: 3_absence_2term_onepercent_bands.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: The number of pupil enrolments by their absence in the two term period as a percentage of possible sessions. Covers overall absence, authorised absence and unauthorised absence. 

Data by one percent bands.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                    |  Variable description
-------------------------------  |  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                  |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments_authorised            |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percent    |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illness               |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percent       |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overall               |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percent       |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covid          |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percent  |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorised          |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percent  |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bands                    |  Absence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by geographic level - full academic years

Filename: 1_absence_3term_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
Content summary: Absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                          |  Variable description
-------------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                        |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                             |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact                 |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent         |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact                 |  Number of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent         |  Percentage of severe absentees (50% or more missed)
num_schools                            |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments                 |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate            |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded                     |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate                |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday                  |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate             |  Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday                      |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate                 |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness                      |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate                 |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                        |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate                   |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious                    |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate               |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                        |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate                   |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons                 |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate            |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller                    |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate               |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                        |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact            |  Number of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percent                |  Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact    |  Authorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall                           |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact               |  Number of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percent                   |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact       |  Overall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasons              |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate         |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                          |  Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact              |  Number of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holiday                    |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate               |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                       |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate                  |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet                      |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate                 |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other                      |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate                 |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons               |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate          |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised                      |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact          |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percent              |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact  |  Unauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covid                           |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate                      |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional                     |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by school level - full academic years

Filename: 1_absence_3term_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: Absence information for all enrolments in state-funded primary and secondary schools and special schools (from 2016/17) including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                          |  Variable description
-------------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                        |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                             |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact                 |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent         |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact                 |  Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent         |  Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools                            |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments                 |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate            |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded                     |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate                |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday                  |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday_rate             |  Extended authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_holiday                      |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate                 |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness                      |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate                 |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                        |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate                   |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious                    |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate               |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                        |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate                   |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons                 |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate            |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller                    |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate               |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                        |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact            |  Number of authorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_authorised_percent                |  Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact    |  Authorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall                           |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact               |  Number of overall absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_percent                   |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact       |  Overall absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_overall_totalreasons              |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate         |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                          |  Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact              |  Number of sessions possible (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauth_holiday                    |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate               |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                       |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate                  |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet                      |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate                 |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other                      |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate                 |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons               |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate          |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised                      |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact          |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions (persistent absentees only)
sess_unauthorised_percent              |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact  |  Unauthorised absence rate (persistent absentees only)
sess_x_covid                           |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate                      |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional                     |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Enrolments with one or more sessions of absence - full academic years

Filename: 2_absence_3term_one_plus_sessions_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2012/13 to 2022/23
Content summary: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name            |  Variable description
-----------------------  |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase          |  School type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointments  |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday   |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised         |  Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall            |  Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late        |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised       |  Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid            |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments               |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools              |  Number of schools

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Enrolments with one or more session of absence - school level - full academic years

Filename: 2_absence_3term_one_plus_sessions_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence, at school level.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name            |  Variable description
-----------------------  |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase          |  School type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointments  |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_ext_holiday   |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed extended family holiday
enrol_auth_holiday       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised         |  Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall            |  Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late        |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised       |  Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid            |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments               |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools              |  Number of schools

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence as a percentage of possible sessions by band - full academic years

Filename: 3_absence_3term_one_pc_bands.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: The number of pupil enrolments by overall, authorised and unauthorised absence percentage point bands.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                    |  Variable description
-------------------------------  |  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase                  |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments_authorised            |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_authorised_percent    |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for authorised absence
enrolments_illness               |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_illness_percent       |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for illness absence
enrolments_overall               |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_overall_percent       |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for overall absence
enrolments_sess_x_covid          |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_sess_x_covid_percent  |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for non-attendance due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
enrolments_unauthorised          |  Number of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
enrolments_unauthorised_percent  |  Percentage of all pupil enrolments that fall into that per cent band for unauthorised absence
percent_bands                    |  Absence percentage band - Filter by percentage of absence

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence for four year olds - full academic years

Filename: 4_absence_3term_4year_olds_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2012/13 to 2022/23
Content summary: Overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name         |  Variable description
--------------------  |  -----------------------------------
education_phase       |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments            |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools           |  Number of schools
sess_overall          |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent  |  Overall absence rate
sess_possible         |  Number of sessions possible

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.


Absence for four year olds - school level - full academic years

Filename: 4_absence_3term_4year_olds_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: School level overall absence for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools for pupils aged 4.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name         |  Variable description
--------------------  |  -----------------------------------
education_phase       |  School type - Filter by school type
enrolments            |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools           |  Number of schools
sess_overall          |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent  |  Overall absence rate
sess_possible         |  Number of sessions possible


Absence in state-funded alternative provision - full academic years

Filename: 5_absence_3term_pru_nat_reg_la.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: Absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units) with information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
enrolments                      |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools                     |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate               |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence in state-funded alternative provision - school level - full academic years

Filename: 5_absence_3term_pru_school.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
Content summary: School level absence information for full academic years for all enrolments in state-funded alternative provision (including pupil referral units) with information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                   |  Variable description
------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
enrolments                      |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact          |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent  |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact          |  Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent  |  Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
num_schools                     |  Number of schools
sess_auth_appointments          |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded              |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday           |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday               |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness               |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other                 |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious             |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study                 |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons          |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller             |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised                 |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_percent         |  Authorised absence rate
sess_overall                    |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_percent            |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_totalreasons       |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible                   |  Number of sessions possible
sess_unauth_holiday             |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late                |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet               |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other               |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons        |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised               |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_percent       |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_x_covid                    |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate               |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional              |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence by pupil characteristics - full academic years

Filename: 6_absence_3term_characteristics_.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2017/18 to 2022/23
Content summary: Absence information by characteristics for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15. Characteristics included are sex, year group, free school meal (FSM) eligibility, SEN provision, ethnicity and language.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                          |  Variable description
-------------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
characteristic                         |  Characteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phase                        |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                             |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact                 |  Number of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent         |  Percentage of persistent absentees (10% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact                 |  Number of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent         |  Percentage of severely absent pupils (50% or more missed)
sess_auth_appointments                 |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_appointments_rate            |  Medical appointments rate
sess_auth_excluded                     |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_excluded_rate                |  Excluded rate
sess_auth_ext_holiday                  |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday                      |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday_rate                 |  Authorised holiday rate
sess_auth_illness                      |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_illness_rate                 |  Illness rate
sess_auth_other                        |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_other_rate                   |  Authorised other rate
sess_auth_religious                    |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_religious_rate               |  Religious observance rate
sess_auth_study                        |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_study_rate                   |  Study leave rate
sess_auth_totalreasons                 |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons_rate            |  Authorised reasons rate
sess_auth_traveller                    |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_auth_traveller_rate               |  Traveller rate
sess_authorised                        |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact            |  Number of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percent                |  Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact    |  Authorised absence rate exact
sess_overall                           |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact               |  Number of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percent                   |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact       |  Overall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasons              |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_overall_totalreasons_rate         |  Overall reasons rate
sess_possible                          |  Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact              |  Number of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holiday                    |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_holiday_rate               |  Unauthorised holiday rate
sess_unauth_late                       |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_late_rate                  |  Late rate
sess_unauth_noyet                      |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_noyet_rate                 |  No reason yet rate
sess_unauth_other                      |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_other_rate                 |  Unauthorised other rate
sess_unauth_totalreasons               |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons_rate          |  Unauthorised reasons rate
sess_unauthorised                      |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact          |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percent              |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact  |  Unauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covid                           |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate                      |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional                     |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances
sess_y_exceptional_rate                |  Rate of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.
3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.


Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - school level - autumn and spring term combined

Filename: 2_absence_2term_oneplussessions_school_level.csv
Geographic levels: School
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: The number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name            |  Variable description
-----------------------  |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase          |  School type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointments  |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_holiday       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised         |  Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall            |  Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late        |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised       |  Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid            |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments               |  Number of pupil enrolments

Footnotes:

1. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence - autumn and spring term combined

Filename: 2_absence_2term_oneplussessions.csv
Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
Time period: 2016/17 Autumn and spring term to 2023/24 Autumn and spring term
Content summary: School level number of enrolments with one or more session of absence, including by reason for absence.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name            |  Variable description
-----------------------  |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
education_phase          |  School type - Filter by school type
enrol_auth_appointments  |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to medical or dental appointments
enrol_auth_excluded      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exclusion
enrol_auth_holiday       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to agreed family holiday
enrol_auth_illness       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to illness
enrol_auth_other         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other authorised circumstances
enrol_auth_religious     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to religious observance
enrol_auth_study         |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to study leave
enrol_auth_traveller     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to traveller absence
enrol_authorised         |  Number of enrolments with at least one authorised absence session
enrol_overall            |  Number of enrolments with at least one overall absence session
enrol_unauth_holiday     |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to family holiday not agreed
enrol_unauth_late        |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to arriving late
enrol_unauth_noyet       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to no reason yet
enrol_unauth_other       |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to other unauthorised circumstances
enrol_unauthorised       |  Number of enrolments with at least one unauthorised absence session
enrol_x_covid            |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to not attending due to COVID circumstances
enrol_y_exceptional      |  Number of enrolments with at least one absence session due to exceptional circumstances
enrolments               |  Number of pupil enrolments
num_schools              |  Number of schools

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.


Absence rates by pupil characteristic - spring term

Filename: 6b_absence_2term_characteristics_termly.csv
Geographic levels: National
Time period: 2020/21 Spring term to 2023/24 Spring term
Content summary: Absence information by characteristics for all enrolments in state-funded primary, secondary and special schools including information on overall absence, persistent absence and reason for absence for pupils aged 5-15. Characteristics included are sex, year group, free school meal eligibility, SEN provision, ethnicity and language.

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name                          |  Variable description
-------------------------------------  |  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
characteristic_breakdown               |  Characteristic - Filter by characteristic
education_phase                        |  School type - Filter by school type - Total includes primary, secondary and special
enrolments                             |  Number of pupil enrolments
enrolments_pa_10_exact                 |  Number of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_10_exact_percent         |  Percentage of persistent absentees - 10% or more sessions missed
enrolments_pa_50_exact                 |  Number of severe absentees (50% missed)
enrolments_pa_50_exact_percent         |  Percentage of severe absentees (50% missed)
sess_auth_appointments                 |  Number of medical appointments sessions
sess_auth_excluded                     |  Number of excluded sessions
sess_auth_ext_holiday                  |  Number of extended authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_holiday                      |  Number of authorised holiday sessions
sess_auth_illness                      |  Number of illness sessions
sess_auth_other                        |  Number of authorised other sessions
sess_auth_religious                    |  Number of religious observance sessions
sess_auth_study                        |  Number of study leave sessions
sess_auth_totalreasons                 |  Number of authorised reasons sessions
sess_auth_traveller                    |  Number of traveller sessions
sess_authorised                        |  Number of authorised absence sessions
sess_authorised_pa_10_exact            |  Number of authorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_authorised_percent                |  Authorised absence rate
sess_authorised_percent_pa_10_exact    |  Authorised absence rate exact
sess_overall                           |  Number of overall absence sessions
sess_overall_pa_10_exact               |  Number of overall absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_overall_percent                   |  Overall absence rate
sess_overall_percent_pa_10_exact       |  Overall absence rate exact
sess_overall_totalreasons              |  Number of overall reasons sessions
sess_possible                          |  Number of sessions possible
sess_possible_pa_10_exact              |  Number of sessions possible for persistent absentees
sess_unauth_holiday                    |  Number of unauthorised holiday sessions
sess_unauth_late                       |  Number of late sessions
sess_unauth_noyet                      |  Number of no reason yet sessions
sess_unauth_other                      |  Number of unauthorised other sessions
sess_unauth_totalreasons               |  Number of unauthorised reasons sessions
sess_unauthorised                      |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions
sess_unauthorised_pa_10_exact          |  Number of unauthorised absence sessions for persistent absentees
sess_unauthorised_percent              |  Unauthorised absence rate
sess_unauthorised_percent_pa_10_exact  |  Unauthorised absence rate exact
sess_x_covid                           |  Number of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_x_covid_rate                      |  Rate of sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances
sess_y_exceptional                     |  Number of sessions recorded as exceptional circumstances

Footnotes:

1. Total includes state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. Data for special schools is available from 2016/17 to present.
2. Sessions recorded as not attending due to COVID circumstances are included as possible sessions in 2020/21 and 2021/22 only, but not as an absence within absence rates.
3. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.
