menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Report claims days off school will cost Norfolk children £1bn in future earnings

3 1
30.03.2025

Research by the Department for Education (DfE) has calculated on average, each day away from classes at secondary school results in a £750 loss in future income for that pupil.

The calculations are based on the working that persistently absent students also have higher chances of not being in stable employment by the age of 28.

Education leaders warn of a growing problem with absences and engagement at schools in Norfolk, blamed partly on a breakdown in trust between parents and teachers.

School absences remain high after the pandemic but there are signs of rates decreasing (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

HIGH COST OF MISSING SCHOOL

The DfE study used data and research on lifetime earnings linked to education to establish if there is an association between school absence and income.

It looked at GCSE attainment, pension and tax data, average earnings in a single tax year and the number of school absences.

The analysis concluded that as absence increases, future earnings decrease.

Officials estimate one day of additional absences between Years 7 to 11 led to a £750 loss in earnings by the age of 28.

Last year, there were 2.4m absences recorded at........

© Norwich Evening News