Overview

• A Child Poverty Action Group survey of 1,700 secondary pupils finds 16% have missed school at least once because families could not afford necessities.
• The absence rate climbs to 26% among free school meal recipients, who are also twice as likely to be sent home for lacking the correct uniform or kit.
• Nearly half of those missing classes cited an incorrect uniform or equipment, while over a quarter missed school due to trip or transport costs.
• Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, ministers will cap required branded uniform items at three per secondary school to ease parental costs.
• Charities and opposition figures are demanding an expansion of free school meals and a review of the two-child benefit cap to tackle financial barriers to attendance.