The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed rules on missing school for religious observance after 2.45 million sessions were recorded as absence in the 2024/25 academic year. The DfE, under the Labour Party government, has written to schools as part of new specialised targets for attendance starting in September.
New guidance on religious observance absences
The fresh guidance states: “Use attendance data to understand the impact on specific pupil groups and tailor approaches accordingly. Communicate clearly with parents, setting out the expectations for attendance alongside the days permitted for absence both at the start of the year and as you near key dates.”
The guidance also advises schools to “Provide timely reminders and supportive messages before and after observance.” It encourages schools to “Develop an informed and inclusive approach by recognising observances, engaging with local faith leaders, and promoting a sense of belonging.”
Community engagement and calendar adjustments
According to the DfE, schools should “Consider what community activities you could bring into school. Where appropriate, also consider adjustments to the school calendar in consultation with staff and the wider community, ensuring that pupils continue to receive a full education entitlement.”
Further sector advice on how schools can plan proactively to support attendance while respecting religious observance can be found in the guidance.
Ambassador highlights twin-track strategy
Jayne Lowe OBE, Attendance and Behaviour Ambassador, wrote in the guidance's foreword: “Our data position indicates that a twin-track strategy is needed to address the challenges.”
She added: “First, we need effective systems to identify and support the large number of children missing occasional days as soon as patterns begin to emerge. Second, we must build strong relationships with families to understand the barriers to attendance that pupils and families may be facing, and to co-create actions or interventions to address them.”
Lowe stated: “Our ambition is not just to return to pre-pandemic levels, but to build a system where every child feels they belong at school, so they can achieve and thrive.” She emphasised that “it is a sense of belonging which is so central to our mission.”
Attendance drop from primary to secondary
Lowe noted that “The move from primary to secondary should be an exciting and important time in our children’s lives.” However, she pointed out that “data shows that in Year 7, and throughout Key Stage 3, regular attendance drops sharply from the levels we see at primary.”
