School absenteeism remains a significant issue in Australia, impacting students like Mimi Highgate, 14, who experienced school refusal starting in year 4 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mimi reported symptoms of panic and anxiety, leading to frequent absences.
Mimi reported symptoms of panic and anxiety, leading to frequent absences.
National Trends in Absenteeism
National attendance data reveals ongoing challenges. Productivity Commission data shows national attendance rates for years 7-10 dropped 4 percent since 2025, reaching 86.5 percent. This decline highlights a worrying trend across Australian schools.
Further analysis of the data shows a disparity based on age. Younger students consistently show higher attendance rates, with 89.5 percent in year 7. This rate decreases significantly as students progress through their schooling, dropping to 84.5 percent by year 10. In Victoria, attendance for years 7-10 decreased from 92.4 percent in 2016 to 86.9 percent in 2025, mirroring the national decline.
Deeper Dive into the Data
An analysis by The Grattan Institute sheds more light on the scale of the problem. The institute found that over one in 10 Australian students are absent daily, with about 40 percent missing at least one day every two weeks.
These absences are equivalent to missing four weeks per year, or an entire year of schooling by the end of Year 10.
The trend of absenteeism is more pronounced in government schools, which record an 84 percent attendance rate. This contrasts with non-government schools, which maintain a higher average attendance of 89.9 percent.
Understanding the Causes
Experts attribute the rising rates of absenteeism to a multifaceted array of factors. These include disengagement, lack of structure, family circumstances, truancy, practical barriers, and school refusal—where students desire to attend but feel unable.
Mimi's personal circumstances underscore some of these complexities, as she has ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, which can contribute to the challenges of traditional schooling environments.
A Program Offering Hope: Hands on Learning
In response to these challenges, programs like "Hands on Learning" are providing alternative pathways for students. Mimi, for instance, participates in this program at Mount Eliza Secondary College.
Developed by Save the Children, this program focuses on capability building and social-emotional goal-setting through practical activities like building, cooking, and gardening. It offers a different approach to engagement for students who struggle with conventional classroom settings.
Mimi describes the program as a supportive and less overstimulating environment.
Danielle Vaughan, principal of Mount Eliza Secondary College, noted the program's success for some students since its inception in 2014, emphasizing the critical need for diverse strategies to effectively address absenteeism.
Government Response and Parental Advocacy
The Australian government is also taking steps to address the issue. Education Minister Jason Clare stated that attendance rates for years 1-10 improved to 88.8 percent in 2025, up from 88.3 percent in 2024. The government has set an ambitious target to increase student attendance to over 90 percent by 2030.
Mimi's mother, Laura, highlights the significant impact school refusal has on families.
Mimi's mother, Laura, highlighted the emotional toll and disruption caused by school refusal, stressing the importance of parental advocacy.
Inspired by the practical and supportive nature of the Hands on Learning program, Mimi now plans to pursue a career in trades, illustrating how tailored support can reshape a student's educational journey and future aspirations.