Absenteeism Drops in More Diverse UK Schools

(From The London School of Economics) Post-pandemic absenteeism has surged in England, with over 20% of secondary students persistently absent in 2023/24. But a new study from the Sheffield Methods Institute finds that diverse schools in disadvantaged areas often outperform wealthier ones. Students from different backgrounds build strong peer networks that boost academic focus and resilience — especially for those who see education as a path to upward mobility. Researchers urge policymakers to treat absenteeism as a symptom of inequality, and to recognize diversity not as a challenge, but as an asset in education reform.

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