
RCELI
Pupils
Schools/Trusts
Published
2.24.2026
Mind the Engagement Gap: A National Study of Pupil Engagement in England’s Schools
A national study of over 81,000 pupils examining how engagement shifts across primary and secondary school — and why it matters as an early indicator of attendance, behaviour and attainment.
What to expect
A sharp decline in engagement at transition to secondary school, particularly in Year 7.
Secondary pupils report lower enjoyment, safety and inclusion than primary peers.
Strong links between pupil engagement, attendance and teacher engagement.
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