Attendance rates at primary schools in Ceredigion have seen a significant improvement, marking the second highest figures in Wales for the 2024/25 academic year. According to the latest statistics, the attendance rate for primary-aged pupils in Ceredigion reached an impressive 93.3 percent. This figure surpasses that of any other local authority in Wales, showcasing the region’s commitment to enhancing educational participation.
The overall attendance across Wales has also shown positive trends. The percentage of half-day sessions missed by primary school-aged pupils decreased to 7.4 percent in 2024/25, down from 7.9 percent in the previous year. The average attendance figure for Wales stands at 92.6 percent, with Monmouthshire leading with a high of 93.9 percent.
Improvements Among Disadvantaged Students
Notably, there have been improvements in the attendance of primary pupils eligible for free school meals. In the current academic year, the percentage of half-day sessions missed by this cohort decreased to 11.8 percent, compared to 12.1 percent in 2023/24. Furthermore, persistent absences among these students dropped to 44.7 percent, down from 46.9 percent the previous year.
Lynne Neagle, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, expressed optimism regarding these developments. “It is fantastic that we are making progress in tackling school absences, and this improvement reflects our sustained focus on attendance and the investments we’ve made,” she stated. Neagle emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, stating that raising school attendance remains a top priority.
She acknowledged the complex factors contributing to learner absence, highlighting the necessity of effective relationships between schools and families. Neagle noted that there is already a lot of good practice occurring across Wales and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with schools, local authorities, and other partners to address the barriers preventing regular school attendance.
To bolster these efforts, the Welsh government has allocated £7 million this year specifically aimed at helping children re-engage with their education. Neagle mentioned that early indications suggest positive outcomes from this investment, further reinforcing the importance of targeted support for students.
As Ceredigion continues to lead in primary school attendance, the focus on enhancing educational participation is crucial for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed academically. The collaborative efforts between educational authorities and families stand as a testament to the commitment towards overcoming challenges in school attendance.
