Education Insights
Data-driven analysis of UK schools — absence, performance, Ofsted, workforce and finance.
Topic
5.8pp
Biggest drop in persistent absence
Absence2023/2415 March 2026
Which Local Authorities Cut Persistent Absence Most Since the Pandemic Peak?
Luton, Sutton and St Helens lead the country in reducing persistent absence, each cutting rates by over 5 percentage points between 2021/22 and 2023/24.
26.1%
Highest persistent absence rate
Absence2023/2415 March 2026
Local Authorities With the Highest School Absence Rates in England
Pupil-weighted analysis of persistent absence across local authorities in 2023/24 reveals Knowsley, Bradford and Blackpool leading, with rates well above the national average of 20%.