The Guardian view on Bridget Phillipson’s sound advice: schools should focus on belonging | Editorial

A shift in priorities that emphasises pupil wellbeing not just exam results could improve attendanceThe reasons for poor attendance at English schools, high rates of psychological distress and illness among young people, and a rising number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send), are complicated. The pandemic and its after-effects, poverty and the many family difficulties it causes, are among them. Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has made no bones about her