The Crucial Link Between School Attendance and Belonging: How Can We Make Every Student Feel Like They Belong?

Author: Melissa Warwick – Operations Manager, A Star Attendance Solutions

The Crucial Link Between School Attendance and Belonging: How Can We Make Every Student Feel Like They Belong?

School attendance is more than just a number. It’s a powerful indicator of a student’s engagement, well-being, and academic success. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in absenteeism across schools in the UK. According to Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, a third of UK children do not feel they belong at school, and this sense of disconnection is a major factor contributing to poor attendance. But how do we tackle this issue, and what can we do to ensure that all students feel that school is a place where they belong?

The Growing Crisis of School Attendance

Attendance figures across the UK paint a concerning picture. The Department for Education reported that around 20% of pupils in England were persistently absent in the 2023/2024 academic year, missing 10% or more of school days. For these students, absenteeism is not just a matter of skipping school – it’s often a sign of deeper issues, such as disengagement, bullying, or mental health struggles.

But why are so many students choosing not to attend? The root cause often lies in a lack of belonging. When children don’t feel connected to their school, its community, or their peers, they’re more likely to disengage from learning and choose to stay at home. Bridget Phillipson’s recent address pointed to the alarming fact that a third of children in the UK don’t feel they belong at school, and this disconnection from their educational environment is directly linked to their attendance and academic performance.

The Impact of Belonging on School Attendance

Belonging is a fundamental human need, and it plays a crucial role in how students engage with their school. When children feel like they are part of a supportive and inclusive community, they are more likely to attend school regularly, participate in class, and achieve their academic goals. Research shows that students who feel connected to their school environment are far less likely to skip school and are more likely to perform well academically.

In fact, a study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that students who feel socially included are not only more engaged but also more motivated to attend school regularly. These students tend to have higher academic performance, better relationships with peers and teachers, and greater overall well-being.

However, when students feel excluded, ignored, or marginalised, the opposite is true. They are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, leading to increased absenteeism and disengagement from their studies. The longer this lack of connection persists, the more difficult it becomes to break the cycle of absenteeism.

Shared Responsibility: Schools, Parents, and Communities

So, how do we address this issue? It’s clear that belonging is not just the responsibility of the student; it’s a shared responsibility between schools, parents, and the wider community. Everyone must work together to ensure that every child feels valued, supported, and engaged in their education.

Schools as Inclusive Spaces Schools must strive to create environments where every student feels welcome and included. This starts with fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and empathy. School leaders should implement initiatives that promote diversity, and create opportunities to encourage students to interact with one another across different social groups. Schools should also ensure that all students have access to the resources they need.
The Role of Educators in Building Connections Teachers have a direct and powerful impact on students’ sense of belonging. By building strong, trusting relationships with students, educators can create a classroom environment where children feel comfortable and supported. Teachers should be trained to recognise the signs of disengagement and exclusion, and they should be equipped to address these issues in a compassionate and effective manner.

Professional development for teachers in social-emotional learning (SEL), conflict resolution, and culturally responsive teaching can help them create inclusive classrooms that support the emotional and academic needs of all students. Teachers can also play a role in encouraging peer mentoring and group work to build connections among students, fostering a sense of community in the classroom.

Community Support and Engagement Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the equation. When families are engaged in their children’s education, students feel more supported and are more likely to attend school regularly. Open lines of communication between schools and families can help identify students who are struggling and provide them with the necessary support. External agencies can also play a key role in providing support for both the student and the wider family.
Mental Health and Well-Being Initiatives School communities must prioritise mental health as part of their mission. Ensuring that students have access to support for managing stress and anxiety can make a huge difference in fostering a sense of belonging. Research has shown that students who feel emotionally supported by their school are more likely to attend regularly and succeed academically.

The Power of Working Together

While the issue of school attendance and belonging is complex, one thing is clear: it’s a shared responsibility. Schools, educators, parents, and communities must come together to create environments where students feel safe, included, and supported. By focusing on the well-being of the whole child – not just their academic performance – we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

So, the question remains: How do we, as schools, parents, and communities, overcome this challenge and ensure that every child feels they belong at school? The answer lies in collective action – a commitment from everyone involved to prioritise belonging, inclusion, and support for all students.

Together, we can make school a place where every child feels like they belong.

Let’s work together to improve attendance, engagement, and well-being, so that all students can succeed.