it depends where you're from - in northern ireland if your parents earn under a certain amount per year, you could be eligible for EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance). this means you basically get paid £30 a week for going to school, but if you miss more than 3 days (i think) then you lose that week's money. also, if you might have to repeat lower sixth, my school won't take back any pupil who gets below 80% attendance. i'd say your attendance does matter in the long term because your uni/employer might want to look at your reliability etc. and this could affect your chances of getting onto the course/job you want