Attendance & Absence Procedures

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There is a legal requirement that each child must attend school until the leaving date appropriate to his/her sixteenth birthday. Responsibility for this lies with the parent (or guardian).
Where a pupil opts to return to school beyond this age, regular attendance is required at all classes taken

Procedures regarding Absences (a) The school has a dedicated absence telephone line – the telephone number for this is 0845 227 0336. If your child is going to be absent from school you are requested to dial the above number and leave the following information:
          The Pupil’s name – Class – Reason for absence – When you expect them to return to school.
NB Please do not phone the normal school telephone number.
You are requested to telephone this number again should the absence extend beyond your original expectations or if the pupil is returning to school earlier than expected. Parents/carers must still send an absence note indicating the dates of the absence and reason for it, with their daughter/son on their return to school. Where a pupil is absent from school and a message has not been left on the absence line, parents/carers will be texted/voice mailed on the first day of absence. In cases of long absence, the appropriate Principal Teacher (Pupil Support) should be contacted so that arrangements can be made for school work to be sent home.

(b) Permission to be absent from school. Requests should be made in writing and passed to the appropriate Depute Rector.

(c) Permission to leave school during schoolhours (e.g. dental, or medical appointments).
Wherever possible, such appointments should take place outside school hours. However, where necessary, the school will release pupils on production of a valid appointment card, which must be shown to the Tutor and School Office during registration. Pupils should report to the School Office on returning to school and inform Tutors of likely absences.

(d) Action regarding unsatisfactory attendance.
Parents / Guardians are responsible for ensuring that children attend school regularly and punctually. Where attendance is unsatisfactory, the Attendance and Liaison Officer will visit the home and discuss the problem.