Welsh Minister Disputes Suggestions of a Decade-Long Road to Pre-Pandemic School Attendance Levels
The Education Secretary of Wales has rejected claims that it could take up to ten years to restore school attendance rates to pre-pandemic levels. Lynne Neagle has expressed her commitment to improving attendance figures for secondary schools in Wales, aiming to reach pre-pandemic levels by May of the next academic year. Despite a drop in average attendance from 94.3% in 2018/19 to 90.5% in 2023/24 and further down to 90.9% in 2024/25, Neagle stressed the importance of accelerating progress. She acknowledged that the current rate of improvement is insufficient, stating that a collective effort is required to achieve the desired outcome within the current term of the Senedd.
Amid concerns raised in Estyn’s 2023/24 annual report, which warned of a potential decade-long timeline to restore secondary school attendance to pre-pandemic levels, Neagle reassured the Senedd on March 18 that such a delay is unacceptable. The report highlighted a significant increase in secondary-age pupils absent for at least 20% of sessions, jumping from 4.6% to 16.3% between 2018/19 and 2022/23. Members of the Senedd, including Conservative representative Tom Giffard and Labour’s Buffy Williams, echoed Neagle’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of addressing attendance issues and improving educational outcomes.
Giffard raised concerns about the Welsh Government’s response to attendance numbers, pointing out disparities between Wales and the rest of the UK. Williams, chairing the Senedd’s education committee, underlined the impact of teacher shortages on the quality of education, emphasizing that recruiting and retaining high-quality educators is crucial for student success. Additionally, Labour backbencher Lee Waters highlighted a decline in the number of students training to be secondary teachers, attributing the trend to negative perceptions of the teaching profession. He emphasised the transformative role teachers play in shaping lives and called for greater recognition of their contribution to society.
The challenges facing the education system in Wales extend beyond attendance issues, as reflected in Estyn’s report, which identified areas where improvement is needed. Neagle’s commitment to addressing these challenges and restoring attendance levels underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing educational outcomes for all students. With ongoing efforts to recruit and retain skilled teachers and implement effective strategies, Wales aims to create a thriving educational environment conducive to student success.
As the education sector continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, collaboration between policymakers, educators, and stakeholders will be essential in shaping a brighter future for Wales’ schools. By prioritizing attendance, teacher recruitment, and overall quality of education, the government aims to lay a solid foundation for students to thrive and reach their full potential. Through sustained efforts and a collective approach, Wales is working towards a future where all students have access to high-quality education and opportunities for personal growth.