Govt’s Focus on School Attendance Yields Strong Results, ERO Report Shows

New Zealand's Associate Education Minister, David Seymour, has welcomed a new Education Review Office (ERO) report showing that both parents and students are taking school attendance more seriously under the current government. The comprehensive report, based on a survey of 14,600 participants—including students, parents, teachers, and school leaders—offers a detailed comparison with 2022 data and highlights a marked cultural shift towards valuing consistent school attendance.

Seymour praised the findings, describing the report as "strong, scalable, and robust," and said the results confirm the government's commitment to restoring education as a national priority. "School attendance matters for the future of this country, and we are fixing it. When the Government takes education seriously, so do parents, students, and schools," he stated.

Attendance on the Rise

According to the ERO report, school attendance has risen significantly every term since the government took office. In Term 2 of 2025, 58.4 percent of students attended school regularly, compared with only 39.6 percent in Term 2 of 2022. Seymour credited this improvement to a combination of strong school leadership, clearer expectations, and effective communication between schools and families.

Ninety-three percent of teachers and school leaders now report that they set explicit attendance expectations with both students and parents. The data shows that when the reasons for regular attendance are clearly articulated, schools are more successful in improving participation.

Policy and School Leadership Driving Change

Many schools have already developed their own attendance management plans aligned with the government's Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) framework. This approach encourages schools to identify and address absenteeism early, using data and community partnerships to keep students engaged. From Term 1 of 2026, all schools will be required to implement a STAR-aligned plan.

Seymour noted that the shift in school culture is beginning to resonate with students. "Three-quarters of students now believe daily attendance is important, up from two-thirds in 2022," he said. "The number of students who say they never want to miss school has almost doubled, from 15 percent in 2022 to 28 percent this year."

Parents' Attitudes Improving Too

The report also indicates a substantial change in parental attitudes. Parents are now ten percentage points less likely to feel comfortable with their child missing a week or more of school. This shift reflects growing public recognition of the importance of consistent attendance for academic success and future opportunity.

As Seymour explained, "When schools take attendance seriously, so do families. Parents are realising that missing school isn't just about one day off—it's about lost opportunities, missed lessons, and reduced social engagement."

Future Steps: Accountability and Data

Looking ahead, Seymour outlined the government's next steps in strengthening attendance systems. Beginning in early 2026, frontline attendance services will operate with increased accountability and more advanced tools for managing absences. These services will gain access to a new case management system and improved data monitoring capabilities. Contracts will also be more closely monitored to ensure results-driven performance.

Budget 2025 allocated an additional $140 million over four years to support these efforts, reinforcing the government's long-term commitment to tackling absenteeism.

Education as the Foundation of Opportunity

Seymour emphasised that attending school regularly is the first step toward a successful future. "Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, greater job stability, and stronger community participation. These are opportunities that every student deserves," he said.

The ERO report demonstrates measurable progress and a renewed sense of shared responsibility among schools, parents, and students. As new policies continue to roll out, the government remains optimistic that attendance rates will continue to rise—ensuring that every child has the best possible chance to succeed.