The number of pupils regularly missing school in England has not returned to pre-Covid pandemic levels, according to official statistics.
A quarter (25.1%) of pupils were persistently absent last term, compared with 13.1% in the autumn term of 2019.
The government said the absence rate was driven by illness, with high levels of flu and other viruses circulating.
It said it was "offering targeted help" for children who were regularly off school.
But a union representing school leaders has said illnesses are only part of the picture.
The Association of School and College Leaders attributes many absences to high levels of pupil stress and anxiety, long waits for mental health treatment and "disengagement" with education as a result of the pandemic.
