Sir Keir Starmer plans AI crackdown on school truancy

AI to track 'ghost children'

Sir Keir Starmer is turning to artificial intelligence in a major crackdown on children skipping school. The PM wants to set up a national truant register to ensure all councils keep track of "ghost children" who do not turn up to the classroom.

Record number of severely absent pupils

Department for Education figures reveal 150,000 pupils were 'severely absent' in the past year, with one in 50 not attending at least half their lessons. This is a 30,000 increase from the previous year.

Key measures to tackle truancy

AI will be deployed to track absentee pupils’ whereabouts based on information from schools, GP practices, and town halls. Labour has suggested giving each child a unique number, like the NHS number, to make tracking easier. The proposed Education Bill will also include measures to ensure all teachers are fully qualified and limit the number of branded uniform items parents must buy.

Unveiling plans in the King’s Speech

Sir Keir’s register and other plans to tackle truancy will be unveiled in the King’s Speech, giving watchdog Ofsted access to absenteeism rates as part of school inspections. Parents of home-schooled pupils will also have to inform council officials.

Education Secretary's statement

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized the importance of sending kids to school, stating that parents who neglect this responsibility harm not only their own children but also the life chances of other kids.