What Research Tells Us About School Absence
ESRI report on Attendance
Research from the Economic & Social Research Institute – ESRI
The ESRI examined how school attendance in the early teenage years affects young people later in life. Their findings are clear:
Even Small Amounts of Absence Matter
Missing school regularly – even what seems like “just a few days” – can have a long-term impact on:
- Exam results
- Confidence in learning
- Future education opportunities
Attendance patterns at age 13 were linked to Leaving Certificate results years later.
Chronic Absence Has Lasting Effects
Students who miss 20 or more days in a year are significantly more likely to:
- Achieve lower exam results
- Be less likely to progress to third-level education
- Feel less positive about school
Attendance Affects More Than Exams
The research found links between high levels of absence and:
- Lower life satisfaction in adulthood
- Higher stress and depressive symptoms
- Weaker social connections
- Greater likelihood of experiencing unemployment
School attendance supports both academic success and wellbeing.
Why the First Years of Post-Primary Matter
Attendance habits built in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year can:
- Shape confidence
- Influence subject choices
- Impact progression to Senior Cycle
- Affect access to further and higher education
Early patterns matter.
A Key Message from the Research
School absence is not just about missing lessons — it can influence long-term opportunities, wellbeing and life outcomes.
Small improvements in attendance can make a meaningful difference.