No ‘quick fix’ to increase school attendance, says Education Secretary

Scotland’s Education Secretary has said there is “no quick fix” to improving school attendance as a media campaign was launched.

Jenny Gilruth launched a national TV and radio campaign aimed at offering resources for parents and carers to discuss the reasons for long-term absence from school with their children.

The £320,000 investment is hoped to help to stem the persistent absence rate, which sat at 31.4% in 2023-24, up from around 20% in the decade up to the beginning of the Covid pandemic.

Visiting a school in Kirkcaldy, Fife, the Education Secretary said: “We know that too many young people are missing school for reasons that can be tough on them and their families.

“While the most recent figures show a slight increase in attendance, rates remain lower than they were before the pandemic.

“The underlying issues that drive poor attendance can be complex and unique – young people may struggle due to anxiety, additional support needs, or reluctance to attend – and this can leave parents and guardians feeling frustrated and powerless.

“There is no quick fix for improving school attendance – it is a journey that parents, schools, and pupils must to take together, and which the new resources on Parent Club can help them navigate.”