School of Education

A new report from the Network for Social and Educational Equity (NSEE) aims to highlight innovative approaches taken by local Dundee schools to tackle the challenges of low attendance

School attendance is crucial for students’ academic success and overall development. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of attendance at schools raised major concerns across many countries. This is also the case in Scotland, where policymakers and practitioners alike have been developing approaches to tackle the issue.

'Understanding Presence: EDLM Headteachers’ Perspectives' looks at the experience of headteachers as part of the 'Every Dundee Learner Matters' initiative. It is based on seven interviews with school leaders whose schools have been identified by education officers as taking various promising steps to address attendance. The report highlights how these leaders understand the complex factors contributing to absenteeism and the effective methods they employ to engage both parents and students. By sharing these insights, the report seeks to inform local officials about productive practices that can be adopted more broadly, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for all students in Dundee.

Authors: Tal Carmi, Christopher Chapman, Stuart Hall, & Kevin Lowden.

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First published: 25 March 2025