Reasons why you might not be in school
There are lots of reasons why you might not be in school.
Below, we have listed some of the most common reasons why pupils not be in school.
If you can’t attend school, remember that you continue to have the right to an education. This also includes any extra support you might need with your learning.
Illness
You might miss school because you are off sick or injured. Depending on the reason, this could be for a short time or longer term. If you are well enough to continue learning while you’re at home or in hospital, then your school should give you learning resources and support.
Anxiety
Sometimes people avoid going to school because they feel anxious about attending. This might be because of relationships at school, school work, or changes to your routine that make you feel unsettled. If you feel anxious about school, it’s important to know that lots of support is available.
Other responsibilities
You might miss school if you’re caring for someone at home who needs you to be there. This could be a family member who requires your help because they have an illness, disability, mental health problem or an addiction. This is called being a young carer. There are lots of organisations who can support you if you are a young carer.
Moving around
You might miss school if you are a part of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community. This is because one of the traditions within this community is ‘nomadism’. This is a way of life where people move around and tend not to stay in one location.
Alternatively, it may be that your move around if you have a family member who is in the armed forces. They could have been deployed somewhere else, either temporarily or permanently which also impacts on where you live.
Exclusion
Another reason that you could miss school is if you have been excluded. This is when you are sent home from school and are not allowed to go back for a set amount of time. Find out more about exclusion and your rights if you have been excluded by hitting the button below:
If you’re not in school, you have options. You have the right to an education and to support with your learning.
More advice
Information about being excluded from school and your rights to education during that time.
Find out what happens if you can’t go to school. Your school should support you to learn at home if you are not able to attend.
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