Only one in four Danish school leaders say their municipality has a clear strategy for dealing with pupils who miss school for long periods, according to preliminary findings from a nationwide survey released on 20 October. The figures raise questions about how consistently schools and local authorities can respond to prolonged school absence.
The study, Skoleliv på spil (School life at stake), was conducted by the Social Development Centre (SUS), a Danish nonprofit organisation. It received responses from 625 primary and lower secondary school leaders between June and September 2026, a response rate of 37%.
School leaders report more conflicts with parents
Six in ten respondents said conflicts with parents over pupils’ wellbeing and school absence had increased over the previous three to five years. Nearly three quarters said their schools did not always have the means to respond effectively to difficult cases.
Among those who reported limited options, nine in ten identified waits for support, municipal educational and psychological counselling services (Pædagogisk-Psykologisk Rådgivning, PPR), or specialist education provision as significant contributors to disputes with families.
SUS director Jonas Keiding Lindholm said:
“When help is delayed, concern for the child can turn into a conflict between the adults around them.”
What schools are expected to do about prolonged absence
According to guidance from Denmark’s Ministry of Children and Education, schools must register absences and contact families when unauthorised absences raise concerns. Where necessary, schools should work with parents and pupils on an action plan and involve relevant support services, including PPR.
In June, NordiskPost reported on government plans to improve support for families dealing with prolonged school absence. The new findings suggest school leaders are still concerned about the availability and coordination of help.
The survey records school leaders’ perceptions, not an audit of municipal policies. Respondents were not randomly selected, so the results cannot establish how many municipalities formally lack a strategy. The findings were also reported by DK Nyt.
SUS is due to present the results on 28 October. Its final report, including recommendations, is expected in early 2027.
