Victoria's school attendance dropped for years 7–10, with government schools below 85%, driven by mental health and disengagement, though national attendance rose slightly to 88.8% in 2025.

School attendance in Victoria has declined since 2016 for students in Years 7 to 10, with many missing at least one day every two weeks—equivalent to four weeks annually. Government schools report lower attendance (84%) than non-government schools (89.9%) in 2025, according to Productivity Commission data. Factors include disengagement, mental health challenges, family issues, and school refusal. Programs like Hands on Learning at Mount Eliza Secondary College support students with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia through practical activities, improving attendance and well-being. National attendance rose slightly to 88.8% in 2025, with a goal of over 90% by 2030.