Breakdown of Students Who Missed at Least 10% of School Days in Past Three Years Housing Type, Housing Income and Race

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education (a) in the past three years, what is the annual percentage of students who have missed at least 10 percent of school days out of the total student population in primary and secondary schools respectively; and (b) of these students, what is the respective breakdown in terms of (i) housing type (ii) household income and (iii) race.

For the past three years, the annual percentage of students who have missed at least 10% of school days is about one per cent of primary school students and two per cent of secondary school students. This does not include those absent for medical and other valid reasons. Amongst these students, slightly over half are from 1 to 3-room HDB flats.

All schools have a system to monitor and support absent students. Through the UPLIFT (Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce) initiative, schools work with community partners to support the students and their families to reduce the risk of absenteeism.