Purpose: The purpose of this research is to discuss the issue of managing and reducing school absenteeism and truancy. Design/methodology/approach: The article proposes the development and implementation of some long-term strategic approaches to tackling truancy and other forms of non-attendance from school. This article focuses on the innovative School-Based Scheme (SBS). Findings: The article proposes methods which are relatively easy to organise, implement, monitor and evaluate. It can be used in both primary and secondary schools and/or throughout all schools within a local education authority. Research limitations/implications: Preliminary evaluations suggest that it has improved attendance rates by over 4 per cent throughout all schools in one local education authority (LEA). Practical implications: A high proportion of schools throughout England and Wales are below the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) targets either for overall levels of attendance, or for levels of authorised or unauthorised absence within both the primary and secondary sectors. The approaches proposed would address such issues. Originality/value: It is hoped that the article will be of particular interest and help to head teachers, senior and middle management in schools, learning mentors, classroom assistants, home-school liaison officers, principal and senior education welfare officers and appropriate local education authority staff, especially those pastoral and management staff who have day-to-day dealings with pupils like absentees and truants. (Contains 3 figures, 1 table and 3 notes.)