School absence and Not in Education, Employment or Training

Using the Connected Bradford research database, with a sample of over 23,000 pupils, the team investigated the association between persistent school absence (at age 6-16 years) and risk of being NEET (at age 16-18 years). Persistent absenteeism (less than 90% attendance) across all school years was associated with a 3.9 times greater risk of being NEET and a 6.3 times greater risk of being persistently NEET (being NEET for four or more months). This effect is greater in secondary than primary schools. In addition, as the overall rate of absence increased, so did the risk of becoming NEET. These findings demonstrate how linked school data can be used to identify children at risk of later adverse outcomes and provide evidence of factors contributing to NEET specifically. By providing early support for children with poor attendance, the risk of becoming NEET may be reduced.