The Department for Education (DfE) has written to all mainstream state schools in England, instructing them to increase extracurricular activities as part of new attendance targets for the 2026-27 academic year. Each school will receive a specialised attendance target tailored to its circumstances.
New attendance targets and guidance
The Labour Party government has sent letters to schools ahead of September, setting individual attendance goals. The DfE guidance encourages schools to "encourage wider engagement with school via enrichment and extra-curricular activities that are accessible to all pupils, as well as academic support such as curriculum catch up sessions and homework clubs."
Schools are advised to use pupil voice to identify which extracurricular events children would like to see added to the programme. The guidance also recommends getting to know the school's community and working with local businesses and faith leaders to develop a diverse and exciting enrichment programme.
Consistency and inclusivity in attendance communication
The DfE guidance states: "Be consistent in attendance communication and make sure everyone is aware of the attendance and punctuality expectations of pupils." It adds that schools must "ensure that these consider the circumstances of pupils with established and emerging needs, such as those relating to SEND and caring responsibilities."
Schools are also told to "remember to foster a sense of belonging, promoting wellbeing and high attendance with a strong and supportive pastoral presence" and to create a strategy that threads this through safeguarding, curriculum, special education needs and disabilities (SEND) support, behaviour and transition.
Support-first environment and rewards
The guidance continues: "Create a warm, safe, and welcoming 'support first' school environment for pupils that celebrates and rewards good behaviour and high and improved attendance. Including improved attendance is particularly important for pupils who have been ill or who have special education needs and disabilities (SEND)."
Recognition and rewards should also acknowledge the participation of absent pupils who are learning remotely. The DfE advises schools to be "curious not furious" in response to absence, encouraging pupils to discuss any barriers to attendance and warmly welcoming them back to school.
The guidance references a video from the Northern Education Trust for more information about creating a culture in which pupils want to attend. The changes take effect from September 2026.
