Should schools and local authorities be required to follow this new statutory guidance to improve school attendance?

The government has issued updated statutory guidance for maintained schools, academies, independent schools and local authorities on improving school attendance, effective from July 2026. It sets expectations including building relationships with families, developing a whole-school culture of high attendance, accurate register keeping, data analysis, collaboration with partners, and targeted support for pupils with social workers, young carers or health needs. Local authorities must track data, provide support teams, hold targeting meetings and use legal intervention where needed.