Star launches hub to support 60 schools to improve pupil attendance

Star has opened a new Attendance Hub at Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham to support around 60 secondary schools to improve pupil attendance rates by sharing effective practice and practical resources.

The school’s Star Attendance Hub is part of the government’s programme to improve pupils’ attainment and welfare by supporting schools to drive up attendance rates. The programme includes the expansion of its successful sector-led Attendance Hubs programme, alongside the expansion of Attendance Mentors in areas of the country with the highest levels of pupil absence.

Pupil absence rates have remained high across the country following the pandemic, with the national average for state schools increasing from 4.7% in 2018-19 to 7.5% in 2022-23 (a rise of 60%). In secondary schools, the absence rate is even higher at 9.3% (2022-23) compared with 5.5% in the year before the pandemic began.

Improving attendance is key to boosting attainment and evidence shows pupils with higher attendance tend to have higher attainment across all key stages. Education and the social connection that comes with it can also have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

The Star hub is one of nine to open in England following approval by the Department for Education. The hubs will collectively support up to 600 primary, secondary and alternative provision schools in England.

Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham has consistently been ranked as one of the highest attended schools in the government’s national league tables. Through the hub, attendance specialists from Star Academies and Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham will share best practice and practical resources to support colleagues in 60 secondary schools to tackle pupil absence.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb said:

“We know that the best place for children to learn is in the classroom, and the vast majority of children are currently in school and learning.

“Though pupil attendance is continuing to recover, the pandemic has still had a real impact on pupil absence in school.

“That is why we’re expanding some of our most important attendance measures – including the attendance hubs and mentoring programmes, to ensure children have the best chance of receiving a high-quality education.”

For more information, visit the Star Attendance Hub page.

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 28th Sep 2023 | Posted In: Latest News