The primary aims of the study were to assess patterns of attendance over time, how these patterns
vary across schools and students with different characteristics, and how these patterns of
attendance contribute to student outcomes. In addition, the research team were asked to consider
attendance measures that could be used at a national level to enhance national reporting.
The study made novel use of data collected as part of the routine administrative processes of the
WA DoE and represents the first time these data have been used in a systematic population study of
these aims. The data and approach have enabled us to demonstrate the relationship between
attendance and achievement and how this is affected by aspects of disadvantage.
To read the executive summary
