Attendance at School

Absences

Only absences authorised by the College can be accepted. These are when the pupil:

• is given leave of absence by the Headteacher;
• is ill;
• is prevented from attending by unavoidable causes;
• belongs to a religious body which sets aside days for religious observance;
• has been excluded for a fixed period;
• has been permanently excluded, but an appeal is in progress.

Leave of absence can only be given for the following:

• special occasions;
• family bereavement;
• to attend an interview for employment or for a place at an institute of further education;
• medical or dental appointment.

The expectation is that all students should have a good attendance at the college.  It is imperative that students attend lessons to ensure high standards of progress.  The minimum figure for attendance is 96%.  Due to the adverse effect of absence from school, Governors have directed the Headteacher that holidays should not be authorised in term time

Unauthorised absence will be viewed seriously and various steps may be taken:

• a letter home after two days of consecutive absence, if there has been no communication;
• a further letter or telephone call if no reply to the first letter is received;
• asking the Education Welfare Officer to visit the home;
• inviting parents of persistently absent pupils into school.

The College regards attendance as of great importance and seeks to work in partnership with parents to ensure that all pupils make the most of the educational opportunities open to them by attending regularly.

Certificates are awarded to pupils with 100% attendance.

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