Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson made a stark statement: “There’s an attendance crisis in the UK.” At Bath Rugby Foundation, we couldn’t agree more. The figures are alarming—3.3 million children attempted to miss school last academic year, with 330,000 of them absent for two weeks or more. The long-term implications of this are serious, particularly in terms of young people’s future prospects in the labour market.

For too many children, the traditional school environment is overwhelming, leaving them disengaged and disconnected from their education. If we are to tackle this attendance crisis, we need to act swiftly and rethink how we approach learning.

In our latest video, Alternative Learning Hub Manager, Jonno, discusses this urgent issue and what needs to be done to support young people in education.

Firstly, lessons must become more practical and directly linked to real-world employment. When young people can see a clear path from their education to their future careers, they are more likely to stay engaged. At our Alternative Learning Hub, we’ve seen first-hand the impact of hands-on, skills-based learning. When education is made relevant to their aspirations, students gain confidence and motivation to attend.

Secondly, school environments must evolve to be more accepting, open, and considerate of young people’s diverse needs. Creating spaces where students feel understood and supported will help combat the anxiety and disengagement that lead to persistent absence.

By making these essential changes, we believe attendance rates will improve, and young people will be better equipped to build brighter futures. At Bath Rugby Foundation, we remain committed to breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Watch Jonno’s full video to hear more about this important conversation.