Schools are responsible for recording and coding absence in the register.
Absence coding guide
Authorised vs unauthorised school absence explained
Authorised absence usually means the school has accepted the reason for absence. Unauthorised absence usually means the school has not authorised it or the reason has not been accepted as authorised.
Schools decide how absences are recorded. This page explains the distinction in plain English, but it cannot tell you how a school will code a specific absence.
Last reviewed: 12 July 2026 by Site editor and maintainer (Paul R).
Reviewed for general accuracy. Always check your school, local authority or official guidance for decisions.
Both authorised and unauthorised absence can reduce the attendance percentage.
The distinction can still matter for records, conversations with school and possible formal processes.
What authorised absence usually means
In plain English, authorised absence means the school has accepted the reason for the absence and recorded it that way. That can matter for how the absence is understood in school records and conversations.
Different schools still work within official guidance and their own processes, so families should avoid assuming that one example automatically applies everywhere.
What unauthorised absence usually means
Unauthorised absence usually means the school has not authorised the absence, or the explanation provided has not been accepted as authorised for attendance-record purposes.
That does not automatically tell you everything about the wider situation. It simply explains how the absence may be recorded in the attendance register.
Why the difference matters
Authorised and unauthorised absence can both reduce attendance percentage because both reduce attended time. The difference matters because schools, local authorities and formal processes may look closely at how absence is recorded.
If you are unsure about how an absence has been coded, it is usually better to check the school’s own record and policy than to rely on general examples online.
Official guidance
Check the official guidance alongside this guide
This page is an independent explainer. For formal questions about attendance rules, school decisions or local processes, compare it with your school's attendance policy, local authority guidance and the official resources collected on this site.
Guide FAQs
Common questions about this attendance topic
These answers are general information only and are not a substitute for school records or official guidance.
Does authorised absence still affect attendance percentage?
Yes. Even if an absence is authorised, it can still reduce the attendance percentage because the attended total becomes lower than the possible total.
Who decides if an absence is authorised?
The school decides how absence is recorded, using official guidance, school policy and the details of the individual situation.
Is illness always authorised?
Not automatically in every situation. Schools still decide how absence is recorded and may need enough information to code it appropriately.
Can this site tell me whether an absence should be authorised?
No. This site gives general information only and cannot decide how a school should code an individual absence.