Although most of our students have good records of attendance it is important that any absences are reported in line with the following procedures.
Should a student be absent from school, parents are required to contact us before 9am on the first and each subsequent day of absence. Should no contact have been received parents will be telephoned to ascertain the whereabouts of the pupil.
On the pupil's return a written note of explanation for absence should be supplied. This may be noted in the student's planner. Long term absence will need a note of explanation/medical certificate from the GP.
Failure to notify absence results in an unauthorised classification on our computer records. We would like everyone to aim for an attendance record of at least 93% and parents will receive an attendance print-out with the annual school report. Persistent unexplained or unauthorised absence may result in a fixed penalty fine and, should a poor attendance record continue, a court summons of the parents in conjunction with the Education Welfare Service.
National attendance regulations specify that the school cannot authorise absences for non-essential reasons eg
- looking after the house
- looking after brothers and sisters
- shopping during school hours
- birthdays
- day trips
Senior staff at the school also conduct regular attendance spot-checks. Heads of Upper/Lower School will ensure that students who are unpunctual for no good reason will have an immediate 20 minute lunchtime detention.
