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Dropping out of school and its corollary, absenteeism, seem to be significant difficulties for educational systems almost everywhere. All developed countries are faced with the problem. Since 1998, with the relay systems, and then since 1999, with the programme “new chances”, French governments have been looking for the best ways of helping drop outs to return to school. I propose some reflections upstream, considering that it is better to invest in keeping children in school, and in intervention during schooling to prevent pupils from dropping out. Many studies confirm these perspectives, which are without any doubt more profitable for the children, young people and their families, but also more favourable for society as a whole, especially if we take into account the human and financial costs of dropping out of school and of absenteeism.