The UK government has unveiled a new programme aimed at enhancing student attendance and behaviour in schools facing significant challenges. Under this initiative, designated “hub schools” with a track record of success will offer support to institutions grappling with high rates of absenteeism and behavioural issues. The Department for Education (DfE) has selected 12 such schools across the South East and Dorset, including Worthing High School in Sussex, to spearhead this effort.
Support from Proven Schools
The initiative, part of the DfE’s strategy to foster positive school environments, will facilitate one-on-one sessions where educational leaders and staff from successful hub schools will collaborate with those from struggling institutions. This exchange aims to showcase effective strategies and best practices in real-time.
Adrian Cook, the headteacher at Worthing High School, emphasised the importance of collaboration over directive approaches. “It’s vital that schools do not feel we are imposing solutions on them. Instead, we want to work together to cultivate effective practices,” he stated.
Evidence-Based Strategies for Improvement
A previous programme, the “Behaviour Hub,” revealed that schools implementing reward systems for positive behaviour saw notable improvements. This findings suggest that incentivising good conduct is more effective than punitive measures. Worthing High School exemplifies this approach, where students proudly display achievement badges and certificates, reinforcing a culture of recognition and motivation. Cook explained, “We educate students about our expectations from the outset, ensuring they understand our behaviour, sanctions, and rewards framework.”
The school adopts a “three-strike” policy for behavioural infractions, allowing for reflection time after each incident. Students such as Bryce, once known for his rebelliousness, now recognise the benefits of compliance, stating that better behaviour has opened doors to “more opportunities” and increased praise.
Identifying and Addressing Absenteeism
Data from the DfE indicates that approximately 18% of pupils were persistently absent during the 2024-25 academic year, a figure significantly higher than pre-Covid levels of around 11%. In response, the government has urged schools to keep suspended students on-site to mitigate “high levels of lost learning.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked that time spent away from school often leads to distractions such as social media and gaming.
Cook advocates for curriculum adjustments tailored to the needs of struggling students, incorporating innovative programmes like Forest School. “It’s about being creative, allowing students to thrive in different environments, which motivates them to attend school,” he noted. Angela, a student participating in this outdoor initiative, expressed her appreciation for its relaxed atmosphere, contrasting it with the pressures of traditional academic settings.
Early Intervention and Parent Engagement
The hub schools are also focusing on early identification of absenteeism, with an emphasis on individual students and regular communication with their families. Angela shared how Forest School has helped her manage anxiety, providing a supportive space to learn outside the conventional classroom.
Despite the promising framework, some critics argue that the number of expert hubs is insufficient and overly concentrated on mainstream education. However, Pan Panayiotou, a DfE RISE advisor and CEO of South Downs Education Trust, highlighted the positive impact these hubs will have on the 500 challenged schools receiving targeted assistance. He noted that previous similar initiatives had proven to make a “real difference” and that the primary investment for these schools would be their time.
Why it Matters
This new initiative represents a critical step toward addressing the ongoing issues of attendance and behaviour in UK schools. By leveraging the expertise of successful schools, the programme aims to create a supportive network that can drive meaningful change. As educational environments continue to evolve, fostering collaboration and implementing evidence-based strategies will be essential in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
