Attendance Matters: How NPCAT is Closing the Gap

School attendance is more than just numbers—it shapes children’s learning, wellbeing, and future opportunities. In this episode of the Schools North East Podcast, we sit down with Hilary Robinson, Attendance Lead at Nicholas Post Catholic Academy Trust, and Angela McCann, Head Teacher at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Primary School, to explore how they’re tackling attendance challenges head-on.

From early intervention and family support to rewards, collaboration, and building a culture of consistency, they share the strategies that are making a real difference for students in the North East. We also unpack the wider social factors—from mental health and poverty to high pupil mobility—that schools face today.

Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or simply curious about how schools can turn attendance around, this episode offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and actionable takeaways for improving outcomes for every child.