School attendance rises but remains below 2020 level

Attendance rates in schools across Guernsey have risen but have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Education Strategy annual report.

The report, published by the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, looked at where the priorities and commitments of the strategy were met in 2025 and where improvements were needed.

It highlighted that most attendances were in the high 90% for 2020/21, whereas the rates this year were lower.

It said there were "strong safeguarding practices underpinned by robust operational procedures" and there had been a "successful implementation of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Code of Practice".

Nick Hynes, director of education, said there was "much to be proud of" in the 2025 report and they were "focussed on continuous improvement".

After their 2024 report, education bosses in Guernsey said they wanted to see improvements in school attendance to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2020/21 the attendance average for primary schools was 96.7%. In 2023/24 it was 94.7% and in 2024/25 it increased to 94.8%.

Secondary schools saw an average attendance of 93.0% in 2020/21. In 2023/24 it was 86.8% and in 2024/25 it rose to 87.6%.

For special school the average attendance in 2020/21 was 91.5%. In 2023/24 it was 86.2% and in 2024/25 it rose to 86.9%.

The States of Guernsey said the report showed the key areas for of focus for 2026 included:

• Targeted interventions to increase attendance across all settings, in particular addressing ongoing challenges of attendance in secondary education.
• Continuing to embed High Quality Inclusive Practice and digital skills in education.
• Strengthening partnerships within Guernsey and beyond.
• Embedding a new system of Education Governance for schools and settings.

Deputy Paul Montague, president of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture,

said: "The 2025 annual report bridges the efforts of two political committees, and we are now entering a phase of establishing stability within the secondary education phase.

"The achievements highlighted in this report provide solid foundations upon which the committee is determined our education system must continue to build and improve so that all learners enjoy and achieve throughout their time in our schools and settings, and beyond."

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