Overview of NEW Attendance codes - Autumn 2024 onwards
As of 19th August 2024, new attendance codes are live. Below is an overview of the new attendance codes from August 2024 onwards.
In August 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced updated guidance on school attendance for all educational institutions, including Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). This guidance emphasises the importance of collaboration among parents, schools, academy trusts, and local authorities to address the barriers to school attendance, especially for pupils at risk of persistent absence. Alongside this, new attendance codes have been introduced to better track and manage pupil absences.
Key Changes to Attendance Management
The revised attendance codes, introduced through the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024, offer more precision in recording student absences. This includes adjustments to codes that reflect various reasons for absence, such as:
- Code I – For illness, but with more stringent reporting protocols when pupils are absent for extended periods.
- Code X – For pupils who are not required to attend school for specific sessions, such as non-compulsory school-age children.
- Code C – Revised to cover performance-related leaves of absence.
- Part-time Timetables – Schools now have clearer expectations regarding the use of part-time timetables in exceptional circumstances, particularly for pupils with health issues. The updated guidance emphasises that these timetables should be temporary and reviewed regularly.
The updates also include strengthened measures for addressing persistent and severe absence, urging schools to engage in early interventions and collaborate with local authorities and families to resolve issues before they escalate.
Inactive Codes
H, Y and J. If any service children require Holidays in term time than schools should use the code C.
The J code has been replaced by a new code J1 and has changed from and Approved Educational Activity to Authorised Absence.
Other new Codes
K Attending education provision arranged by the Local Authority
(its set in place by the LA and not the school)
Q Unable to attend the school because of access arrangements.
(use this code where the LA has failed to arrange transport for the student, Y1 is used if the organised transport is not available)
Y1 Unable to attend due to transport normally provided not being available
Y2 Unable to attend due to widespread disruption to travel
Y3 Unable to attend due to part of the school premises being closed
Y4 Unable to attend due to whole school being closed
Y5 Unable to attend due as pupil is in criminal justice detention
Y6 Absent in accordance with public health guidance or Law
Y7 Unable to attend because of other unavoidable Cause
C Leave of Absence for exceptional circumstance (Guidance changed for this Code)
C1 Leave of Absence for the purpose of participating in a regulated performance (Or employment paid or unpaid, Continue to use W for Works Experience)
C2 Leave of absence for a compulsory school age pupil subject to a part-time timetable
Codes where schools MUST record nature of activity
B Attending any other approved educational activity
(Not Sporting Activity OR Works Experience)
Examples of nature of activity
- 1) Attending taster days at college
- 2) Attending courses at college
- 3) Attending unregistered alternative provision arranged by the school
K Attending education provision arranged by the Local Authority
(A pupil attending a provision arranged by the school should use the code P or B)
Examples of natures of provision
- 1) Attending courses at college
- 2) Attending unregistered alternative provision such as home tutoring
Y7 Unable to attend because of any other unavoidable cause
The DfE has not given any examples for the nature of the unavoidable cause
Notes on the Y7 code:
An unavoidable cause, that is not covered by one of the other ‘unable to attend’ codes detailed above, is preventing the pupil from attending the school.
This code should be used only where something in the nature of an emergency has prevented the pupil from attending the session in question. The unavoidable cause must be something that affects the pupil, not the parent. The fact that a parent has done all they can to secure the attendance of the pupil at school does not, in itself, mean the pupil has been prevented by unavoidable cause.
For further reading please see “Working together to improve school attendance”.
Click Here for a simple overview of who is responsible for what.
How These Changes Impact Schools and MATs
Schools and MATs are now expected to rigorously monitor attendance data and ensure that attendance support is tailored to each pupil's needs. This includes working closely with parents and external partners like health services and local authorities to provide holistic support where necessary.
One critical update is the role of attendance champions, which schools are encouraged to appoint within their leadership teams. These champions will take responsibility for driving improvements in attendance, analysing data, and implementing targeted interventions for students at risk of persistent absenteeism.
How School Business Services Can Help
With the complexity of the new attendance codes and the growing importance of accurate attendance data, SBS’s MIS Support services are designed to provide schools with the tools and expertise needed to stay compliant while ensuring business resilience.
At SBS, we understand that each school and MAT faces unique challenges in managing attendance. Our MIS consultants are here to offer strategic advice and technical support to help your school make the most of its MIS system. Here’s how we can assist:
- Data Management: Our services ensure that your school's attendance data is accurately recorded and reported. We provide MIS, SIMS and Arbor training on how to manage and interpret attendance codes effectively, ensuring you meet the new statutory requirements.
- Statutory Returns: We help schools and MATs complete statutory returns such as the Pupil Census, ensuring all attendance data is correctly aligned with the latest DfE guidance.
- Consultancy and Support: Our team offers ongoing consultancy, from system health checks to bespoke reporting solutions, including Power BI dashboards for MAT-wide insights into attendance patterns.
- Service Desk: Our unlimited service desk provides on-demand support for data-related queries, ensuring you have expert help whenever you need it.
With our tailored MIS services, your schools can focus on creating the supportive and orderly environments needed to improve attendance. Let SBS take care of the technical details, so you can focus on what matters most – your pupils’ education.
