Out-of-school children reach 273 million worldwide, says UNESCO
The number of children and young people not attending school globally has reached 273 million, according to UNESCO. The organisation’s latest report reveals that progress in keeping children in school has slowed in most regions, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected. Conflict and population growth are major reasons for the rising numbers. Despite these challenges, UNESCO notes that there have been significant improvements in global enrolment over the past two decades.
What we know
- UNESCO reports that 273 million children and young people are currently out of school worldwide.
- The 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report states this is the seventh consecutive year the number has risen.
- One in six school-age children are excluded from education, and only two in three complete secondary school.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is especially impacted, and conflict zones have even higher rates of children out of school.
- Despite setbacks, global enrolment has increased sharply since 2000, with more than 25 additional children accessing school every minute.
