What is authorised absence?

When a pupil misses a session, the school decides whether the absence is authorised. A note or call from a parent explains the absence, but it is the school, rather than the parent, that decides whether to accept the reason. Examples of authorised absence include illness, medical or dental appointments, religious observance, and leave of absence the school has granted for exceptional circumstances.

In England, the attendance register uses specific codes, and each code is classified for statistics as attending, authorised absence, unauthorised absence or not a possible session. For example, illness (code I) and medical appointments (code M) count as authorised absence.

England and Wales

Both nations use the idea of authorised and unauthorised absence, but each has its own regulations, guidance and set of codes. Check the guidance for the nation where the pupil’s school is based.

Why it matters for your setting

• Authorised absence still adds up. A pupil who is often ill can become persistently absent, which may point to health or wellbeing needs.
• Recording a clear reason for every absence helps the pupil’s school code its register correctly.
• Patterns in authorised absence can prompt a helpful conversation with families and professionals.

How PupilDB helps

PupilDB registers let you record an absence reason from your own list, add notes and mark a whole day at once. PupilDB does not use statutory attendance codes yet, so your list can reflect the reasons your commissioning schools ask for.