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