Pupil Absence

4.16 The general trend for pupil absence from schools has been a slight but steady decrease both nationally and for the South West. Compared to England as a whole, the region has a slightly higher level of absence in primary schools and a slightly lower rate in secondary schools.

Table 4.5 Total Pupil Absence in Primary and Secondary Schools (percentage of half days missed 2001/02 - 2006/07)

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

Year

South West

England

South West

England

2001/02

5.63

5.85

8.53

8.72

2002/03

5.60

5.81

8.18

8.28

2003/04

5.38

5.49

7.94

8.05

2004/05

5.39

5.43

7.67

7.81

2005/06

5.72

5.76

7.93

7.92
2006/07 5.30 5.26 7.74 7.76
Note: 2006/07 results are provisional
Source: DfES, SFR 36/2007

    4.17 Absence levels are above the national average for both primary and secondary schools in Bournemouth, Cornwall, Dorset, Plymouth and Torbay. However, this is in the main due to authorised absences. Bristol has levels of both authorised and unauthorised absence significantly higher than the national average for both primary and secondary schools.