Number of 'unexplained' missed school days quadrupled in just three years

While the pandemic severely impacted attendance, the surge in 'unexplained' school absences is causing particular concern. File picture: Larry Cummins

“Unexplained” school absences have quadrupled in just three years, raising concerns that thousands of students have missed out on crucial parts of their education.

Between September 2019 and the end of term last summer, 24.7m school days were recorded by Tusla as ‘lost’, with absences due to covid severely impacting attendance.