The Conversation That Could Change School Attendance – School attendance continues to dominate conversations across education. Schools are working incredibly hard to improve attendance, yet many are still facing challenges that simply didn’t exist a few years ago. Policies, systems and consequences all have an important place, but what if one conversation could make the biggest difference?

In this throwback episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with former National Schools Commissioner Sir David Carter to explore a different way of thinking about attendance, behaviour and the experiences of vulnerable young people.

 Watch the full interview on YouTube →

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Sir David challenges the question many students hear when they arrive late to school.

Instead of asking, “Why are you late?”, he suggests asking, “Is everything okay?”

It sounds like a small change, but behind that question is a completely different mindset.

As Sir David explains, some young people have already faced significant challenges before they even walk through the school gates. They may have been caring for younger siblings, dealing with difficult family circumstances, experiencing instability at home or simply navigating situations that many adults would struggle with.

That doesn’t mean expectations should disappear.

Clear boundaries, routines and high standards remain essential. However, understanding the reason behind a student’s behaviour allows schools to respond with both accountability and compassion rather than punishment alone.

Throughout the episode, Cameron also reflects on his own experiences working with schools across the UK. He shares examples of mentoring students whose attendance had suddenly declined, only to discover that the real issue had never been explored. Sometimes the answer isn’t a lack of motivation at all. Sometimes nobody has simply taken the time to ask the right question.

The conversation also explores why engagement is one of the most powerful drivers of attendance.

Young people are far more likely to come into school when they feel connected to staff, valued by their peers and excited by something they are part of, whether that’s sport, art, music, vocational learning or simply one trusted adult who believes in them.

Rather than viewing attendance as a standalone statistic, Sir David argues that it should be seen as the outcome of a school culture where relationships, trust and belonging come first.

For teachers, school leaders and anyone working with young people, this episode offers practical insights that can be implemented immediately. Sometimes improving attendance doesn’t begin with another policy. It begins with a conversation.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, Nisai Learning, for supporting The School Podcast and helping us continue to bring important conversations like this to educators, parents and professionals across the country.

You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.

The Conversation That Could Change School Attendance