Statistics published by the Department for Education show that the amount of half days missed by pupils in this year's spring term stood at 5.92 per cent, down from 6.18 per cent during the 2009 spring term.
The primary school absence rate for the 2010 spring term stood at 5.22 per cent, down from 5.28 per cent the previous year. While the secondary school absence rate was 6.73 per cent, down from 7.20 per cent the year before.
Of all pupil absences recorded in primary and secondary schools during the 2010 spring term, 81 per cent were authorised. Unauthorised absences from secondary school stood at 23 per cent, while unauthorised absences from primary schools made up at 14 per cent of all absences.
Illness was the most common reason given for authorised absences from primary and secondary schools, accounting for 3.42 per cent of the total.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said: "The small fall in the overall absence rate in all schools, and in unauthorised absence in secondary schools, is very welcome but the level of absenteeism is still too high.
"The government is committed to tackling the underlying causes of absenteeism, raising academic standards and ensuring every child can meet their potential, regardless of their background. It’s crucial that children are not missing out on valuable lessons that could leave them vulnerable to falling behind."