Attendance

Students are expected to attend school for a minimum of 32.5 hours per week. This includes break and lunch times but excludes extracurricular activities, meaning some students may exceed this time.

Reporting a Student's Absence

If your child is absent, please call the absence line by 8:30am each day they are away.
Voicemails left will be passed to the relevant year team to ensure accurate attendance records.
Please provide a detailed reason for the absence. If the reason is unclear, you will be asked to call back.

Importance of Attendance

The government requires at least 96% attendance. Missing 10 days or more in a year makes it difficult for students to achieve this and can impact their progress.

Year Teams and the Attendance Officer will support students with attendance concerns. If needed, the Education Welfare Service will be involved.

Requesting a Leave of Absence

The law no longer allows automatic permission for holidays during term time. Leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Principal.

Holidays due to affordability or parental work schedules are unlikely to qualify.
Unauthorised absences may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £160 per parent per child.

Support for Parents

Ensure your child attends regularly and on time.
Contact your child's Year Team or the Attendance Officer for support. You can find their details on the contact page or call the Reception.
Holidays during examination periods will not be authorised.

Authorised Absences

The following situations are usually considered unavoidable:

Genuine illness
Religious festivals/ ceremonies
Medical or dental appointments
Hospital treatment
Family funerals
Interviews for jobs or colleges
Participation in public performances or exams

Unauthorised Absences

These reasons are typically avoidable and will not be authorised:

Minor illness
Staying home for house-related tasks (deliveries, workmen, etc.)
Preparing for a holiday or collecting relatives
Looking after siblings
Family business, housework, or caring for relatives
Being unhappy or not getting on with other students

Remember: POOR ATTENDANCE = POOR ATTAINMENT!

For more details on Penalty Notice fines starting from 19 August 2024, please read the Council’s Code of Conduct below.