New figures from the Department of Education show that there has been an increase in pupil term-time absences.

One in six pupils missed half a school-day in the last year (2016/2017). This went up 2% from the 2015/2016 session.

The Department of Education (DfE) figures show that parents don’t think there is a consequence for taking pupils out of school. 

A  DfE spokesman said: “Children only get one chance at an education and evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs.

In Kent and Medway primary school, the numbers of absences are mostly above the South East England Average. 

Explore the figures in our infographic below.

Ayomide Alli