School attendance
Islington Council is addressing a persistent attendance gap for vulnerable pupils despite overall school attendance improvements.
Islington Council reported an overall rise in school attendance to 92.5% for the 2025/26 academic year, with secondary persistent absence reducing to 21.2% in Autumn 2025/26. This update was presented to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in October 2026. However, a persistent attendance gap remains for vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as noted by Councillor Sheila Chapman.
These developments follow Islington Council's approval of twelve recommendations in November 2025, aimed at improving school attendance, particularly addressing persistent absence at the secondary level. The recommendations were proposed by the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee after a detailed review, and the Council Executive agreed to implement them.
School attendance refers to the rate at which pupils attend school regularly, and councils monitor this to identify and address issues such as persistent absence. The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee continues to review progress on attendance rates and the impact of implemented strategies.
Key facts
- Islington Council reported overall school attendance rose to 92.5% for the 2025/26 academic year. Source
- Secondary school persistent absence in Islington reduced to 21.2% in Autumn 2025/26. Source
- A persistent attendance gap remains for vulnerable pupils, including those with SEND, in Islington. Source
- Islington Council Executive agreed to implement twelve recommendations to improve attendance in November 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 3 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.