School absence School absence due to mental health* has increased sharply this year and may lead to higher levels of absence from formal learning at university. Over a third (36%) of this year’s applicants have missed school or college over the last two years due to their mental health; a significant increase from 30% last year. The figure rises to 39% among UK domiciled applicants. Given the qualitative feedback outlined in the previous section, this finding is disappointing but not surprising. The sharp increase in school absence compared to last year lends support to the theory that social anxiety is particularly acute in this cohort. Over one in four (42%) female applicants have missed education due to mental health compared to 27% of male applicants. Female applicants were also more likely to have experienced longer absences. Other groups affected are those dealing with neurodivergent conditions, of which 65% said they have missed school (up from 49% in 2023). Almost two thirds (64%) of LGB+ applicants and 81% of trans/non-binary applicants had missed education due to their mental health. Rates are also significantly higher among care experienced and estranged applicants, those from the lowest socioeconomic group and those who had qualified for free school meals, risking a perpetuation of disadvantage. The duration of absence due to mental health is very similar to last year, with a quarter being absent for 20 or more days. This equates to 9% of all applicants having missed more than four weeks of learning, and 12% of female applicants. Additionally, around one in five (19%) of all LGB+ applicants have missed more than four weeks’ learning. The data also suggests that care experienced and estranged applicants, and working class applicants, will also have significantly higher rates of long term absence due to mental health, but sample sizes are too small to generate a reliable figure. Among those who had been absent, 43% thought they would need to miss teaching time at university due to their mental health, equating to 15% of the total applicant population. Rates were significantly higher among care leavers and those with a disability or mental health condition. *Questions in this section were only asked of respondents who had been in education in the last two years (base=2132) Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 31 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS LEARNING METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO THEMES