Conclusion 13

In the academic year 2023/24, around one in five children of compulsory school age in England missed a day or more of school per fortnight – and around one in three at sixth form age.28 Government data from November 2025 showed that almost one million young people aged 16–24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training (NEET).29 Improving attendance is a key priority for the Department.30 It is also unclear whether the Government is ensuring that home-to-school transport is being used to ensure children can access further opportunities, such as by ensuring transport arrives at school before free breakfast clubs. Further clarification would be welcomed.31 23 Q 42 24 Q 48; C&AG’s Report, para 3.18 25 HMT, Spending Review 2025, 30 June 2025, DfE, SEND Reform: Education Secretary writes to the Education Select Committee, 22 October 2025 26 DfE, SEND reform: putting children and young people first, 23 February 2026 27 C&AG’s report, para 3.18 28 HMG, Education statistics, pupil absence in schools, percentage of persistent absentees (10% missed) for autumn and spring term terms, year groups 12 and above, accessed on 18 February 2026 29 C&AG’s report, para 1.15; ONS, Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK, 20 November 2024 30 Q 29, DfE, Working together to improve school attendance, August 2024, C&AG’s report, para 1.15 31 Qq 32-24 11