Persistent absence

Also called PA, Severe absence

Missing 10% or more of sessions. It triggers school and council processes whether the absence was authorised or not.

What it is

A pupil is persistently absent if they miss 10% or more of possible sessions — roughly 19 school days across a year, or one day a fortnight.

Severe absence is 50% or more.

Both count authorised and unauthorised absence, which surprises families whose child has been off with genuine illness.

Where it applies

Every pupil. Schools are measured on it and must have an attendance policy and a senior attendance champion.

How it works

Schools are expected to work with families to remove barriers before considering enforcement, and to have an attendance support meeting where absence is a concern.

Councils must provide attendance support and, where a family is not engaging, may move towards an attendance contract or a penalty notice.

Children with long-term health needs, including mental health, may be entitled to education under section 19 rather than to enforcement.

What you can ask for

Ask for the support meeting to be a genuine one: what is the barrier, and what is the school changing. A meeting that only restates the percentage has achieved nothing.

Ask for absence caused by disability or health to be considered separately. Penalising a child for disability-related absence raises a discrimination question.

Ask what the school has put in a support plan. Statutory guidance expects one before enforcement.

Where to get help

The school's attendance lead first. SENDIASS if SEND is involved. Not Fine In School for anxiety-related absence.