Research and analysis

The impact of school absence on lifetime earnings

This report estimates the monetary impact of one day of school absence in state-funded secondary schools.

Applies to England

Documents

The impact of school absence on lifetime earnings

Details

The report investigates the link between school absence and earnings.

We find an additional day of absence for the typical student is associated with a decrease of £750 in future earnings.

We also find increased absence increases the odds, at age 28, of:

  • claiming benefits for a sustained period
  • not being in stable employment

We also find a reduction in earnings at age 28 of 0.8% per day for the typical student.

Updates to this page

Published 14 March 2025

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