Introduce a distinct attendance code for flexischooling (Code F).
We want the Department for Education to introduce a new attendance code for flexischooling (Code F). We want this code to act in a similar way to code B (educated off site) in that it would not negatively impact attendance data, recognising that the child is receiving a full time education.
Signatures
10,869
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 10,869/100,000
- 24 JUL 2025Petition closedFinal total: 10,869 signatures
- 01 JUL 2025Government respondedDepartment for EducationGovernment reply
The Government has no current plans to introduce an attendance code for flexi-schooling. Attendance codes were updated in 2024 after extensive consultation and will be reviewed again in due course.
Read full response - 13 JUN 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 24 JAN 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
Flexischooling is a legal arrangement where a child receives a full time education, partly in school and partly as home education. Current DfE guidance states that FS should be marked as Code C, authorised absence. As this code is used for multiple purposes, it is impossible to obtain accurate data on the number of flexischooling pupils - a point Sir Martyn Oliver recently made. Some schools are hesitant to agree to FS if they feel it will negatively impact their attendance data.