Recent data indicates that primary school attendance in Ceredigion has achieved remarkable improvements, reaching 93.3 percent for the 2024/25 academic year. This figure marks the second highest attendance rate in Wales, surpassing all other local authorities in the region. The upward trend in attendance reflects a significant commitment to addressing school absences across the country.
Overall, the percentage of half-day sessions missed by primary-aged pupils in Wales decreased to 7.4 percent in the latest academic year, down from 7.9 percent in 2023/24. The average attendance across Wales stands at 92.6 percent, with Monmouthshire leading the way at 93.9 percent.
Improvements in Attendance for Disadvantaged Students
The data also highlights positive changes for primary pupils eligible for free school meals. The proportion of half-day sessions missed by this group fell to 11.8 percent in 2024/25, compared to 12.1 percent the previous year. Persistent absences among free school meal recipients also declined, dropping to 44.7 percent from 46.9 percent in 2023/24.
These improvements have been welcomed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, who noted that progress in tackling school absences reflects ongoing efforts and investments. Neagle stated, “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.”
Continued Commitment to Enhancing Attendance
Despite these advancements, Neagle emphasized the need for continued efforts to raise school attendance. She acknowledged that various factors contribute to learner absence and stressed the importance of building effective relationships between schools and families.
To bolster these initiatives, the Welsh government has allocated £7 million this year to facilitate children’s re-engagement with their schools. Neagle expressed optimism regarding the impact of this funding, stating, “We are already seeing the benefits of this investment.”
The commitment to improving school attendance in Ceredigion and across Wales underscores a broader aim to ensure that all children have access to quality education. As efforts continue, partnerships between local authorities, schools, and other stakeholders remain crucial in overcoming barriers to regular school attendance.
