New research proves youth zones are driving down school absence…and Unitas is right at the heart of it
On 24 February, OnSide published significant new research in collaboration with King’s College London evaluating the impact of Youth Zones on school outcomes. The findings are powerful and deeply encouraging for all of us who believe in the importance of open access youth work.
The headline finding is striking: Young people who regularly attend a Youth Zone have 17% fewer unauthorised absences than those who don’t.
But this finding is only scratching the surface. Post pandemic, that impact has grown even stronger. In 2024, a Youth Zone member had two full days fewer unauthorised absences per year than a comparable non-member, a 21 per cent reduction. That’s meaningful time back in the classroom, learning, progressing and staying connected.
Even more remarkable? Youth Zones were not designed as school attendance interventions. Yet the research shows they are as effective, or more effective, than many programmes created specifically to tackle unauthorised absence like free breakfast clubs.
The impact is greatest for those who need it most. The strongest reductions are seen among young people from the most deprived households and those who are severely or persistently absent from school. In other words, Youth Zones don’t just support those young people who are already thriving. They help re-engage the hardest to reach or who are most at risk of falling behind.
Here in North London, Unitas Youth Zone is part of that national picture. In 2025 alone, 3,462 young people experienced Unitas, leading to 34,527 visits to our youth club. Behind each of those visits is a conversation, a new skill learned, a confidence boost, a trusted adult who listens, or a friendship formed. A young person who feels seen and supported is more likely to turn up to school. More likely to believe education matters. More likely to see a bright future.
Youth Zones must be invested in.
This research comes at a critical time. Youth Zones receive no consistent government funding. Organisations like Unitas rely on the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and the local community to keep our doors open.
This evidence shows that this model is not only life changing, it is delivering measurable educational impact.
For our supporters and donors, this research reinforces something important. The support you give does far more than fund activities. It strengthens our local community and helps grow the next generation of happy, healthy adults across North London.
Youth Zones are quietly becoming one of the most effective tools in improving school attendance, despite never being designed for that purpose. That makes them not just valuable, but essential.
We hope you will take a moment to read it and feel proud of the difference you are helping to make.