In recent years, the number of students missing school has risen steeply. In the UK, one in 50 students missed more than 50% of school in 2022–23. Previously, almost 95% of sampled students were found to miss school regularly because going caused them significant emotional distress, a phenomenon known as school distress. Of this sample, many students were diagnosed with neurodivergent disorders or autism.
‘System rife with blame’ could threaten parents’ mental health when their kids struggle with school attendance
