The Ministry of Education has recorded a notable increase in student attendance at both Government and Government-Assisted Primary and Secondary Schools on the first day of Term I of the 2026-2027 academic year.
According to the Ministry, data compiled by the School Supervision and Management Division for Monday, September 7th, 2026, indicated overall student attendance of 84.6% at the primary level, compared with 72.2% on the first day of Term I of the 2025-2026 academic year. At the secondary level, student attendance increased from 62.58% to 78.97% over the corresponding period.
This represents an increase of 12.4% at the primary level and 16.39% at the secondary level, indicating a strong return of students to the classroom for the start of the new academic year.
Minister of Education Dr Michael R. Dowlath welcomed the improved attendance, stating, “We are pleased to see more of our students returning to the classroom on the first day of the new school year. Every school day matters. Every child can learn with the right support, and consistent attendance gives each student the best opportunity. Regular and punctual attendance throughout the school year is essential to improving educational outcomes. I therefore encourage our parents and guardians to continue working with us to ensure that every child attends school consistently and is given the best opportunity to succeed.”
The Education Ministry also noted teacher-attendance on the first day of Term I. Primary schools recorded overall teacher attendance of 96.5%, an improvement from 93.9% during the corresponding period of the previous academic year. At the secondary level, teacher attendance stood at 88.3%, compared with 88.9% in 2025-2026. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the data and support timely follow-up where attendance concerns arise.
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor attendance and school operations across all Education Districts as Term I progresses, and work with parents, guardians and stakeholders to address recurring absences and barriers to attendance.