A recent analysis by the Education Policy Institute indicates that unauthorised absences are a major factor widening the performance gap between disadvantaged pupils in England and their peers. The report reveals that since 2019, increased absence among students on free school meals has caused notable delays in academic performance. The findings stress that if attendance among these pupils improved, the attainment gap at age 11 and 16 would decrease significantly. Experts call for government action to address root causes of absence and provide necessary support to schools struggling with attendance-related issues.
Emily Hunt, the EPI's associate director of social mobility, stated, "For the first time, we have shown that high and increasing levels of absence among disadvantaged pupils are the primary reason why the disadvantage gap has grown since 2019..."
Di'Iasio highlighted, "Without a broader system of support, it is extremely difficult for schools to drive meaningful change in attendance rates..."
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