Many colleges in the UK are facing a major problem, with attendance rates continuing to slide. Ofsted and sector bodies have raised concerns that attendance in further education remains below pre-pandemic levels, with disadvantaged learners affected the most. There is a strong link between poor attendance and weaker outcomes, higher drop-out rates and reduced progression into employment or higher education. The problem is that the sector is treating attendance as a compliance issue rather than a systemic problem. Attendance is not about students being lazy or a lack of motivation. Learners in FE must often balance their work life, family responsibilities and long commutes. For many other students, mental health challenges, financial stress or feeling they don’t belong in the college setting can be barriers. The Sutton Trust highlights that working-class learners are more likely to take on paid work during college, which will impact their attendance for class. The Association of Colleges highlighted its concerns that increasing numbers of students are missing classes due to engaging in paid work, reflecting wider cost-of-living pressures. Transport challenges, including affordability and accessibility also continue to present barriers to regular attendance, particularly for learners in rural areas. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.