Attendance at primary schools in Ceredigion has seen a significant increase, reaching an impressive 93.3 percent in the 2024/25 academic year. This figure positions Ceredigion as the local authority with the highest primary school attendance rate in Wales, according to new data. This improvement reflects a broader trend across Wales, where attendance rates have also risen as schools continue to tackle absenteeism.
The latest statistics indicate that the overall percentage of half-day sessions missed by primary school-aged pupils in Wales has decreased to 7.4 percent in 2024/25, down from 7.9 percent in the previous year. The average attendance rate for primary schools across Wales stands at 92.6 percent, with Monmouthshire achieving the highest rate of 93.9 percent.
Focus on Attendance Improvement
The data also highlights a positive trend among primary pupils eligible for free school meals. The number of half-day sessions missed by this group has decreased to 11.8 percent, a slight improvement from 12.1 percent in the 2023/24 school year. Additionally, persistent absences for primary pupils in this category have fallen to 44.7 percent, down from 46.9 percent the previous year.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, expressed optimism over the progress made in reducing school absences. She 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.” Neagle emphasized the need for continued efforts, noting that raising school attendance remains a top priority for the Welsh government.
Investment in Student Engagement
Neagle pointed out that various factors contribute to student absence, highlighting the importance of effective relationships between schools and families. She acknowledged the good practices already in place across Wales, indicating a collaborative approach to overcoming barriers to regular school attendance.
To further support this initiative, the Welsh government has allocated £7 million in funding for the current year aimed at helping children re-engage with school. Neagle noted that early indications show promising benefits from this investment, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
As Ceredigion and other local authorities continue to prioritize attendance, these results underscore a collective effort to improve educational access and success for every child across Wales.
