Event
13 November, 2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am

Preventing disengagement: keeping vulnerable students in education

Disengagement from education is usually an early warning of long-term disengagement from society. It has significant long-term consequences for young people’s life chances, for the economy, and for the social fabric. Thousands of children fall through the cracks each year, missing school, not fulfilling their potential, and eventually dropping out of the system entirely. The result is often a lifetime of limited opportunities, greater vulnerability to poor health and unemployment, and higher demands on public services. 

The challenge is growing. Persistent absence is at record levels, with the aftermath of the pandemic, mental health challenges, and economic hardship all playing a part. Yet support too often arrives only when a child is already in crisis. Schools, social services and local authorities frequently work in silos, with data and insights not shared early or effectively enough to intervene before problems escalate. 

Re:State is delighted to welcome Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary, Department for Education to consider how to improve early identification of need, how to strengthen support around families, and what it would take to deliver a more joined-up system that supports attendance, attainment and ambition for every child.

This is a private event which will be held under the Chatham House rule and is kindly supported by Newton.