Tackling Absence and SEND Concerns

Friday, 11 September 2026 — Attendance woes and SEND reform challenges take centre stage

Top Stories

Wellbeing

Over Half of College Students Persistently Absent ↗

Around 42,000 16- and 17-year-olds in England are persistently missing college. This is a serious issue that impacts learning outcomes and demands a fresh look at how colleges support student engagement and wellbeing.

Source: Education Executive
SEND

Expert Staff Shortages Threaten £1.8bn SEND Reform ↗

Staff shortages are a key risk to delivering SEND reforms funded with nearly two billion pounds. Councils are raising red flags about capacity, which means schools and trusts need to prepare for a tricky road ahead in supporting SEND pupils effectively.

Source: Schools Week
Policy

New School Uniform Guidance Coming This Year ↗

Ministers promise updated guidance on school uniforms, with a focus on reducing costs and going further on rules about branded items. This could ease pressure on families and schools alike, so worth keeping an eye on.

Source: Schools Week
AI

College Builds Own AI Tools to Stay in Control ↗

One college is creating its own AI tools rather than relying on third-party providers. This approach gives them better control over data, costs, and workflows — a smart move for schools thinking about sustainable tech use.

Source: FE Week
Al's Take
More than half of college students missing class is a massive red flag for anyone working in further education. It’s a reminder that wellbeing and engagement are as crucial as curriculum. On SEND, staff shortages risk derailing reform ambitions, so leaders need to be realistic about what’s achievable and focus on practical support.

Number of the Day

42,000
The estimated number of 16- and 17-year-olds in England classed as persistently absent from college, signalling a major challenge for student engagement. (Education Executive)

Jobs Spotlight

Head of Psychology
Unknown · United Arab Emirates
Head of Secondary
Taylor’s International School Kuala Lumpur · Malaysia
Head of Subject - A Level Geography
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group · Stafford, Staffordshire · £36,864 - £47,133 pro rata per annum
Learning Support Team Leader ↗
Capital City College · City of London, Greater London · TBC

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Worth a Read

Microsoft's 2026 AI in Education Report Shows Schools Need More AI Training ↗

by Open Data Science

This report highlights a big gap in AI skills among educators which is crucial if schools want to use AI effectively and safely. Definitely worth a look for anyone thinking about AI in their school.

Coming Up

researchED Cape Town 2026 ↗ — 12 Sep 2026, South Africa
Learning Impact Europe 2026 ↗ — 15-17 Sep 2026, Europe
researchED Cork 2026 ↗ — 19 Sep 2026, Ireland

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