Schools in England to be given AI-generated minimum attendance targets as government aims to pre-pandemic levels

Starting this month, all schools in England will be provided with an AI-generated minimum attendance improvement target, as the government aims for a return to pre-pandemic levels.

The attendance baseline improvement expectation (ABIE) for each school will be based on individual circumstances, taking into account location, pupil needs, and deprivation.

Using AI and data, schools struggling with attendance will be linked with high performing peers with similar circumstances to provide further support. The government will also set up 36 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, providing one-to-one support and sharing best practice with open days and events.

“We can only deliver opportunity for children in our country if they’re in school, achieving and thriving. That’s why I want every school to play its part in getting attendance back to – and beyond – pre-pandemic levels,” says Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary.

“We’ve already delivered the biggest improvement in attendance in a decade and now we’re building a school system for the future with free breakfast clubs, more mental health support and a curriculum and enrichment offer to match. But we must go further. 

“By working jointly with schools to set individual targets, we’re tackling variation head-on. Our best schools already have a brilliant approach to attendance, and now we’re driving that focus everywhere so that all children are supported to attend school and learn.”

Tackling transitions

Schools will also be given a best practice toolkit covering transition moments, such as between Year 7 and 8, providing strategies to keep children engaged.

CHS South in Manchester is one of the schools highlighted in the toolkit. It uses strategies such as family cooking classes held in the summer before Year 7 to reduce anxiety around the transition into the next year. 

Sue Burke, Deputy Headteacher and Attendance Lead at CHS South, adds: “Our ambition is that no-one is left behind or left on the outside looking in. We welcome and celebrate our young people and their families from their very first interaction with us, which in turn creates a community of belonging.   

“Attendance is a whole staff team effort and we are particularly proud of our attendance team, who work with relentless drive offering support and empathy to students and their families, while also providing skilful and personalised challenge when needed.”