A recent survey by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has revealed a startling statistic: a significant number of secondary school students are missing class due to financial constraints. The survey, published Thursday, indicates that 16 percent of 11- to 18-year-olds reported missing school at least once because they lacked essential resources.

The problem is even more pronounced for students facing socioeconomic disadvantage. A staggering 26 percent of those eligible for means-tested free school meals (FSM) – a key indicator of poverty – admitted to missing school for the same reason. This highlights a critical link between financial hardship and school attendance.

The CPAG’s findings paint a concerning picture. The inability to afford basic necessities directly impacts education. Nearly one in four (23 percent) of surveyed students said they missed school because they couldn’t afford meals, while another 26 percent cited unaffordable transportation as the reason for their absence. This underscores the urgent need for support systems to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t become a barrier to education.