Regional finder
Explore all nine regions
Use the cards as an orientation tool, then follow the official link for the complete DfE plan. Ratings below are editorial signposts, not DfE league-table grades.
South West
National red flag
DfE: worst national secondary persistent-absence rates for disadvantaged pupils, SEN support and EHCP cohorts.
Major KS2→KS3 drop; Year 6 attendance 94.1% falling to 88.7% by Year 8. Belonging, inclusive transition and data-led intervention are explicit priorities.
North East
High concern
DfE says the region has some of the highest absence rates nationally, compounded by high disadvantage.
Priorities include earlier family support, the 5–15% absence band, vulnerable cohorts and stronger transition and belonging.
North West
High concern
Absence remains above national expectations, particularly in secondary and special schools.
The regional plan reports persistent absence of 13.1% primary, 23.8% secondary and 34.8% special, with vulnerable groups disproportionately affected.
Yorkshire & the Humber
High concern
Higher-than-average overall and persistent absence in both primary and secondary.
DfE reports secondary overall absence at 9.1% vs 8.4% nationally and secondary persistent absence at 25.3% vs 23.4% nationally.
East of England
Watch
Persistent absence more than doubled after 2019; severe absence and children missing education remain concerns.
The plan emphasises inclusive, calm and engaging schools, strong family relationships and earlier intervention around secondary transition.
South East
Mixed picture
Overall attendance broadly tracks national averages, but disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND face some of the country's highest absence rates.
17 of 19 local authority areas have higher-than-average secondary absence for disadvantaged pupils; coastal persistent absence is a particular issue.
West Midlands
Mixed picture
Comparatively stronger secondary performance for several cohorts, but clear KS3, SEND and disadvantage risks remain.
DfE highlights transition into early KS3, White British disadvantaged pupils and SEND across phases as the regional focus.
East Midlands
Comparatively stronger
Headline attendance is slightly better than England at primary and secondary, though the secondary transition trajectory remains a concern.
DfE reports persistent absence at 12.16% primary and 22.75% secondary, both marginally below national levels.
London
Comparatively stronger
The London RISE summary describes attendance as a strong regional performance to maintain while returning fully to pre-pandemic levels.
Focus remains on Year 6→7 and Year 7→8 transitions, pupils with SEN, and intensive support for schools that need it.
