DfE changes to attendance codes from 19th August 2024
From 19th August 2024 there are several changes to attendance codes as per the DfE guidance below
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance
Changes include:
- Removal of some historic codes
- Introduction of new codes including multi-character codes
- Introduction of Statutory Explanation
Removal of some historic codes
As per the DfE’s reform, the following codes will no longer be available for session attendance from the 24/25 Academic year.
| Code | DfE Description / Explanation |
| H | Authorised absence due to agreed family holiday. |
| J | Unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances – not counted in possible attendance |
| Y | Unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances – not counted in possible attendance |
Introduction of new codes including multi-character codes
As per the DfE’s reform, the following codes will become available for session attendance in the 2024/2025 Academic Year.
| Code | DfE Description / Explanation |
| C1 | Leave of absence for the purpose of participating in a regulated performance or undertaking regulated employment abroad. |
| C2 | Leave of absence for a compulsory school age pupil subject to a part-time timetable |
| J1 | Leave of absence for the purpose of attending an interview for employment or for admission to another educational institution |
| K | Attending education provision arranged by the local authority |
| Q | Unable to attend the school because of lack of access |
| Y1 | Unable to attend due to transport normally provided not being provided |
| Y2 | Unable to attend due to widespread disruption to travel |
| Y3 | Unable to attend due to part of the school premises being closed. |
| Y4 | Unable to attend due to the whole schools site being unexpectedly closed |
| Y5 | Unable to attend as pupil is in criminal justice detention |
| Y6 | Unable to attend in accordance with Public health guidance or law |
| Y7 | Unable to attend because of any other unavoidable cause. |
Introduction of ‘Statutory Explanation’
As part of the DfE’s reform, where the following codes are used there is a requirement to provide a supporting explanation in the new Academic Year.
| Code | DfE Description / Explanation |
| B | Attending any other approved educational facility. |
| K | Attending education provision arranged by the local authority |
| Y7 | Unable to attend because of any other unavoidable cause. |
MIS Documentation
Please see the links below relating to changes in your MIS:
Arbor – TBC
Bromcom – Bromcom Attendance changes for our customer base. – Bromcom – Documentation Centre– Bromcom plan to introduce changes to address the DfE attendance Framework, by the end of July
SIMS – Updates will be included in the Summer upgrade – please see the upgrade bulletin for more information.