REPORT- Back to school: Can youth work help turn the tide on school absence?
Youth charity OnSide has published a report on the role of youth work in tackling school absence in the UK
School absence remains a major concern across the UK education system. With rates of persistent and severe absence still elevated since the pandemic, educators and safeguarding leads are exploring new ways to support young people back into learning and prevent long‑term disengagement.
Youth Work Makes a Measurable Difference
New research from OnSide Youth Zones reveals a clear link between regular attendance at local Youth Zones and improved school attendance. The study conducted with King’s College London found that young people who regularly participate in youth work activities saw:
A 21% reduction in unauthorised absences in 2024 compared with typical absence levels
A 17% reduction in unauthorised absence over the longer term
Stronger impacts for students with more entrenched attendance issues, especially those with the highest absence rates
These findings suggest that positive, community‑based youth provision can play a powerful role in tackling school absence alongside traditional in‑school strategies.
Why Youth Zones Work
Youth Zones offer safe, informal spaces where young people build relationships, confidence, and motivation. This connects with broader evidence that engagement outside the classroom can support pupils who feel disconnected from formal education, helping to address the social and emotional barriers that often drive absences.
What This Means for Safeguarding Teams
For safeguarding leads and school leaders, these insights highlight a critical message:
Holistic approaches matter: Tackling absence isn’t just about attendance data, it’s about engagement, belonging, and connection.
Partnerships with local youth organisations can bolster in‑school efforts to re‑engage students.
Early intervention, especially before patterns of absence become entrenched, can make a measurable difference to both attendance and wellbeing.
A Broader Context of Absence Challenges
School absence has significant consequences for young people’s achievement and future opportunities. Higher absence is linked with lower attainment, reduced wellbeing, and poorer long‑term outcomes, reinforcing the urgency of effective, multi‑agency responses.
Read the full article here