School absenteeism 'still a huge problem'

Student absenteeism remains a huge problem nationwide, according to the National Education Welfare Board's latest annual report.

The report says the average primary school pupil missed 11 school days last year, while the average secondary student missed 14 days of classes.

One-tenth of primary pupils and one-fifth of secondary students missed 20 days or more during the year.

The National Education Welfare Board says the problem is worst in disadvantaged areas and in urban areas.

Primary pupils in disadvantaged areas missed an average of 15 school days last year, compared to 10 in the least disadvantaged areas.

At post-primary level, students in disadvantaged areas missed 21 days, which is twice the amount in other areas.

In urban areas, meanwhile, one in every seven students missed 20 days or more, compared to one in 13 in rural primary schools.