This article analyses the impact of three demographic factors on student attendance over a three-year population level statistical analysis of student attendance rates in Queensland (Australia) state secondary schools. Whole school attendance rates were mapped against the demographic factors of schools' Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) values, proportion of Indigenous students within the school, and school population size as independent variables to identify which schools recorded the highest student attendance as measured by proportion of students with more than 95 per cent average attendance across the years 2014-2016. The geographic and demographic profile of these schools were then assessed to guide direction for future research. The data from this sample of schools indicates no significant relationship between high levels of student attendance and the three independent variables. Subsequent analysis of school location resulted in identification of a significant number of schools in rural locations attaining excellent attendance rates against both study sample schools and state benchmarks. It is evident that several schools have successfully navigated what might be considered challenging school demography to attain higher than average attendance rates. Despite the age of this data, no significant system-wide attendance improvement is presently evident, and the same conditions of challenge remain for schools. The findings suggest a need for a more forensic approach to analysis of school climate and culture to determine factors contributing to student attendance.