Absence epidemic: Youth organisations team up for critical research

The commission will look to review and summarise evidence on the relationship between participation in enrichment and school attendance. Beyond the evidence review, the research will also draw on best practice case studies through school visits and observation, and interviews with educators from across the UK.

Bradford in West Yorkshire, which has the second highest level of persistent absenteeism in the country, will be a focal point of the project, which aims to take an in-depth look at the city’s challenges and opportunities.

The timely announcement comes as the Government prioritises school attendance, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson describing the number of children missing school as an “absence epidemic.”

This latest research commission follows the launch of a pioneering Enrichment Partnerships Pilot (EPP), delivered by the NCS and the DofE, that aims to give thousands of young people in schools across selected areas of England the chance to participate in high quality enrichment activities.

The Centre for Young Lives, headed by the former Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield CBE, is an exciting new think tank which launched in early 2024, focused exclusively on improving the lives of children, young people, and families in the UK.

CfYL will be working with YMCA George Williams College and the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University on the research project. The findings from this research will play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing school attendance crisis, providing insights that will help guide young people and key stakeholders in developing effective strategies to use enrichment activities to re-engage students in their learning.

Harris Bokhari OBE, NCS Trust Chair, said: “This is a critical research activity, especially urgent given the current crisis of persistent absenteeism.

“At NCS, we understand the profound impact that enrichment activities can have in helping young people become work ready and world ready, and how enrichment can be embedded around the school environment.”

Ruth Marvel, CEO, The DofE said: “Young people have a right to the best possible education, and that includes having access to high quality enrichment activities. Many young people look forward to these activities most in the school day and we know that they can bring unique benefits like boosting confidence, improving mental health and increasing employability."

Anne Longfield CBE, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives said: “Enrichment activities can be key to helping children stay in and get back into school, and we are delighted that the NCS Trust and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are supporting us to explore the evidence showing its benefit to children’s learning and development.”

NCS, the DofE and CfYL expect to have a final research report with a set of key policy recommendations in early 2025.