School attendance and student wellbeing much worse since covid lockdowns, study finds

One staff member told researchers school refusal has increased since the pandemic. 'So we’re dealing with more young people who are completely refusing to go to school, whether it’s due to anxiety or mental illness or whatever the reason.' File picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

School attendance, engagement, and student wellbeing are all worse in the wake of the pandemic, according to educators working with young people at risk of leaving school early.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) consulted with a wide range of coordinators running the School Completion Programme which supports students at risk of disengaging from school.