Education Digest Autumn Term 2024 – In the News

Increase in teacher misconduct complaints

The number of reports submitted to the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) have increased by over 60% in the last 12 months. Out of the nearly 1,700 reports received last year (2023/24), 1,059 cases saw no further action as they did not fall within the TRA’s jurisdiction and/or did not meet the threshold of serious misconduct.  For those complaints deemed to have a case to answer, 244 progressed to a hearing in the 2023/24 year, the highest number of hearings that the TRA have ever had.  Despite a recruitment drive, the wait for a hearing has increased to over 102 weeks despite a 52 week target.

The Federation of School Trusts has warned that the rise in complaints is not sustainable, as operational strain has increased both pressure on staff and the associated legal costs. Find out more.

Pupil Attendance in School

Attendance records have been released for the 2023 – 2024 academic year in relation to compulsory school attenders (5 to 15 year olds).

The overall absence rate was 7.2%, with 2.5% absences being unauthorised. There was a 20.7% persistent absence rate amongst pupils across the year, which was identified as a result of missing 10% or more of their possible planned sessions.

Amongst those recorded absent, the statistics were as follows:

• 1% of those eligible for free school meals were absent, compared to 5.8% of those who were not;
• 3% for pupils with an Education Health and Care plan were recorded absent;
• 9% for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities support were recorded as absent, whilst 6.5% of those with no identified needs were recorded absent
• Similar rates of absence were recorded for male and female pupils, being 7.1% and 7.3% respectively; and
• Absence rates remain generally highest at all levels in state funded special schools.

It will be interesting to see the impact of the updated statutory guidance mentioned earlier in this newsletter will have on improving school attendance. Find out more.

If you have any questions about these stories, please do get in touch with Education Law Expert Rachel Blythe.