Book Nook - Making School Unmissable: Schooling that makes sense

With new attendance statistics out, Impetus, a UK based charity, calculates the human cost of slow progress in tackling the crisis¹.

As schools face rising absenteeism, waning parental engagement and ongoing teacher recruitment challenges, Making School Unmissable by Rachel MacFarlane and Paul Jenkins offers us a timely and practical framework for reimagining the school experience.

They argue that education must move beyond simply making attendance compulsory, and that focusing on making school genuinely compelling for students, families and staff is the only way that we can restore the connections that we’ve lost.

At the heart of the book is the Five Senses Framework, which identifies the key conditions that make school meaningful and motivating:

• A sense of purpose
• A sense of belonging
• A sense of success
• A sense of empowerment
• A sense of adventure

Together, these five senses provide a practical and engaging lens through which schools can strengthen culture, engagement and outcomes.

“School attendance is ultimately about connection, meaning and belief,” says Rachel. “If we want young people to attend, families to engage and staff to stay, we need to create schools that matter to them in the here and now, not just promise benefits in the future.”

Drawing on research, case studies and leadership experience, Making School Unmissable offers strategies for educators at every level, from classroom teachers to system leaders. Rather than focusing solely on academic outcomes, it encourages schools to consider how they help people feel and flourish.

Optimistic and practical, the book provides a fresh take on why school remains one of society’s most important and transformative institutions.

A must-read for teachers and school leaders – in any setting.


Rachel Macfarlane is an education consultant, speaker and author. She was Director of Education Services at Herts for Learning (HFL) from 2018 to 2023 and, prior to this, head teacher of three contrasting schools for over 16 years. In 2011, Rachel set up an all-through 4–18 academy in Ilford. This was judged by Ofsted to be outstanding in all areas in 2014 and 2018.

Paul Jenkins has worked in education for over 25 years. Trained in English, drama and media studies, he has taught a range of subjects up to A level. As a leader, he worked as a Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head, Head Teacher and Executive Head Teacher. He currently works as an education consultant for standards and curriculum. He has mentored and trained new head teachers and has written articles and award-winning theatre and television scripts.

¹ See https://www.impetus.org.uk/news-and-views/insights-april-2026