Across the UK a growing and troubling trend has emerged: girls are being excluded, isolated, and placed on reduced timetables at unprecedented rates. For the first time, some data shows girls experiencing lower attendance than boys - a reversal of historical patterns that demands urgent attention.

NotJustAbsent is a movement and research initiative that goes beyond attendance figures to ask: What’s really happening to girls in our schools? Why are they being pushed out of classrooms and learning environments, and what are the risks they face as a result?

Because when girls are not in school, they’re not just absent — they are being placed at risk. We all have a role in changing that.

At its heart, NotJustAbsent is about reimagining what inclusion truly means for girls — recognising that attendance is not just about being present in a classroom, but about belonging, safety, and respect.

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THE WORK

#NotJustAbsent is dedicated to shining a light on the rising rates of school absence, isolation, and exclusion among girls. We raise awareness of the real issues girls face by listening to their experiences, analysing data, and sharing what we learn.

Our work focuses on:

• Understanding the problem by listening to and amplifying girls’ voices – gathering insights and stories to uncover the barriers that prevent girls from fully engaging in education.

• Raising awareness – sharing findings through reports, resources, and campaigns that help families, schools, and communities understand why girls are being left out or pushed out of learning.

• Empowering change through knowledge – supporting schools and professionals with information and training that promotes inclusion, belonging, and emotional wellbeing.

Building community understanding – creating safe spaces where girls, parents, and educators can share experiences and work together to make education feel safer and more supportive for everyone.