Full attendance and good punctuality are key to achievement in school. We consider them vital to providing equal opportunities for all students, ensuring access to the full curriculum and achieving both academic and social success. All students should aim for 100% for both attendance and punctuality.
Attendance and GCSE results
Below compares the attendance in Year 11 and the average number of GCSEs at grades 9 to 5 (A* to C):
Students Should:
• Arrive at school by 8.30 am.
• Any students arriving after this time will have to enter the school via the main reception and sign in with the Attendance Officer.
• Students arriving late without a good reason and accompanied by a note of explanation from a parent will be issued with a reflection
• Students in Years 7 to 11 are not allowed to leave the school site during break or lunch times.
Parents/Carers Should Encourage Good Attendance By:
• Talking regularly with your child about school and how they feel about it.
• Not allowing your child to take time off unless it is really necessary.
• Discussing with the school, at the earliest opportunity, any problems or worries that might be affecting your child's attendance.
• Ensuring your child is in school for all exams and exam related components.
• Advising the school of any planned absence in writing at least 15 school days in advance by using the Term Time Absence Request Form.
• Arranging medical appointments for doctors, opticians or dental treatment outside of normal school hours.
• Do not take holidays during term time (these will not be authorised and may be referred to the Education Welfare Officer to be considered for a Fixed Penalty Notice or other action).
Reporting Student Absence
It is imperative that parents/carers contact the school before 8.00am if their child is unwell and unable to attend school, on each day of absence. Please either leave a message on the attendance line 01628 629415 or send an email to
Any absences that we have not received a reason for within a reasonable timeframe, will be followed up and the Attendance Officer will proceed to call all contacts that we hold on your child's record. For safeguarding purposes, if we have not managed to make contact then members of staff will visit your home to ensure the welfare of your child.
Medical Appointments
School attendance figures show a continuing increase in the numbers of students missing part of the school day due to medical appointments.
Whilst some appointments may have to take place during the school day, e.g. specific scheduled hospital appointments, there are other appointments that could take place outside of school hours and at weekends or in school holidays. If it is not possible to arrange such appointments to take place out of school hours, it is expected that students are only out of school for the actual appointment and are therefore able to attend before and/or after in order to allow minimum disruption to their lessons and attendance.
Where appointments are necessary within school hours, please ensure your child’s absence is reported at least 24 hours before to the Attendance Officer e.g. an appointment card/letter or show the text message.
If you are unable to provide these details 24 hours prior to the appointment could you please ensure:
• If your child is arriving late following a medical appointment, a copy of the supporting document is given to the Office or text shown
• If they are leaving school early to attend a medical appointment, similarly a copy of the supporting document is given to the Office.
You can also email the school at
All leave of absence is recorded on your child's school file.