Understand
Bullying and anxiety identified as main drivers of school absence in Bristol report
Overview
A new report by Bristol councillors reveals that bullying and anxiety are primary reasons for secondary school non-attendance among children aged 11 to 14. Bristol's secondary school attendance stands at 90%, falling below the national average of 92.4%, with persistent absence particularly affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils.
Key points
- Bullying, anxiety, and diagnosed learning needs are central drivers of school absence in Bristol secondary schools.
- Secondary school attendance in Bristol was 90% last year, compared to a national average of 92.4%.
- Attendance drops significantly during school transitions, particularly from Year 6 to Year 7 and Year 7 to Year 8.
- A previous investigation by Barnardo's found that young people felt teachers were overworked and called for better psychological support in schools.