persistent absence
Islington Council is addressing persistent absence, a measure of pupils missing significant school sessions, with overall attendance improving but a gap remaining for vulnerable pupils.
Islington Council reported an increase in overall school attendance to 92.5% for the 2025/26 academic year, with secondary school persistent absence reducing to 21.2% in Autumn 2025/26, the lowest rate since the pandemic. However, a gap in attendance remains for vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as presented to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in October 2026.
Persistent absence refers to pupils missing a significant proportion of school sessions, an issue Islington Council is working to improve. The council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee regularly reviews school performance and attendance reports, as seen in March 2026 when it discussed school results and performance.
Key facts
- Islington's 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 gap in attendance remains for vulnerable pupils, including SEND pupils, in Islington. Source
- These attendance figures were presented to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in October 2026. 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.