To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the total number of unauthorised absences was in each (a) government region and (b) local education authority in each year since 1997. (151175)

Figures on the percentage of unauthorised absence for each local authority from 1997 onwards is available in the House of Commons Library. Figures on the total number of unauthorised absence broken down by local authority and government office region are available only at a disproportionate cost.

Unauthorised absence is absence without leave from a teacher or other authorised representative of the school. This includes all unexplained or unjustified absences, such as lateness, holidays during term time not authorised by the school, absence where reason is not yet established and truancy.