Schools Offer iPads and Pizza Parties to Tackle Record Absenteeism

As absentee rates hit record highs, schools in England are combining rewards and sanctions to boost attendance, while critics call for individualized support to address systemic barriers.

• Schools in England are using incentives like iPads, bikes, pizza parties, and prom tickets to encourage attendance, according to the latest NFER report.
• The Department for Education reported record-high levels of 'severely absent' pupils in 2024, with illness, mental health challenges, and term-time holidays cited as key causes.
• Fines for unauthorised absences increased from £60 to £80 in September 2024, but education unions argue they are ineffective in addressing the root causes of absenteeism.
• The NFER study highlights that schools combining rewards with sanctions see better pupil engagement, but warns that punitive-only measures are often perceived as unfair.
• Experts and unions advocate for increased funding, pastoral care, and tailored interventions, emphasizing the need to address broader societal issues like poverty and mental health.

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