Preliminary student attendance data for NSW public schools, shows improvements to attendance rates for Term 1 this year but the figures remain below target levels. In 2022, the average attendance rate in NSW public schools was 85.7 per cent, a decrease from 2019 where the average attendance rate was 90.2 per cent.
The campaign, called ‘Every Day Matters’, will reinforce the importance of attending school for students’ academic success and drive behavioural change among parents and students to: Reduce absenteeism close to weekends and/or public holidays; reduce family trips during term; and reduce arbitrary days off due to convenience or pressure from students.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said good attendance was vital to help students develop a sense of belonging, maintain friendships and do well in their studies.
“The data shows that NSW students who develop positive attendance behaviour in Year 7 are, on average, three months ahead in their learning by Year 9,” she said.
“This is a wake-up call that we need to prioritise good attendance across the State, and work with schools and the wider community to ensure our children are back at school.”
The new campaign will run until July 21 across social media, TV streaming services and radio, and be supported by school leaders using data-driven analysis and strategies to lift student attendance, with a daily attendance dashboard to identify reasons and trends for student absences.
