Managers in 281 schools of all types in 20 LEAs in England completed a survey about teacher absence and its causes. This paper reports reasons for teachers' long-term absences in those schools, examining the link between age and ability to report for work. Head teachers' views on the impact of school stress on teacher attendance are also explored. For schools educating children between the ages of 3 and 13 (excluding secondary schools), the main reasons for teacher sickness absence, whether brief or long-term, are reported. These are considered in the context of what is known about stressful working conditions and their effects on both mental and physical health. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)