Attendance and Punctuality

Ensuring regular attendance and punctuality are high on our agenda. Last year our whole school attendance was 97% which is excellent and we aim to maintain this high level of attendance this year too.

Regular attendance and punctuality is essential for a child’s wellbeing. It enables them to develop their skills, build up friendships, make progress and get the best education possible. Children love routines and consistency and when this is established in their early years at school it lays down firm foundations for future life.

We are in regular contact with families where their child’s attendance has fallen below our threshold or their punctuality has slipped. We offer support to these families as well as actively encourage parents/ carers to approach school if they need guidance and advice in these areas.

Authorised Absence: Information for Parents and Carers

Schools are required to follow national attendance regulations set by the Department for Education (DfE). While headteachers are permitted to authorise absence in some circumstances, this can only happen within the rules outlined in the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024.

No absence for holidays will be authorised.

Below is an overview of when an absence may be authorised and the circumstances where it cannot.

When Schools Can Authorise Absence

Schools may only authorise absence in the specific situations listed below. (DfE 2024)

1. Participation in a regulated performance or employment abroad

This must be supported by a licence from the Local Authority, a Justice of the Peace, or a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA).

2. Attending an interview

This includes interviews for another school, sixth form, college, university, or for future employment. Requests must be made in advance by the parent the pupil normally lives with.

3. Study leave for public examinations

Study leave can only be granted for formal public exams.
It cannot be authorised for mock exams or internal assessments.

4. Temporary part‑time timetable

This can only be agreed in genuinely exceptional circumstances and must be time‑limited. Both the school and the parent must agree, and the exact days/times the pupil will attend must be clearly set out.

5. Exceptional circumstances

Schools may consider authorising absence for other situations that are genuinely exceptional.
Requests must be made in advance. Each case is reviewed individually, taking into account the specific context and supporting information provided.

Please note:
Holidays, travel, family days out and absences taken for leisure or convenience are not considered exceptional circumstances by the DfE and cannot be authorised.
Absence will also not be authorised for participation in protests during school hours.

Important: Exceptional Circumstances and Length of Absence

Where an absence is agreed due to an exceptional circumstance, the school is only permitted to authorise the day of the event itself.

Any additional days before or after—for travel, preparation, family time, or any other reason—must be recorded as unauthorised.

Educational Activities That Do Not Count as Absence

Some activities form part of a pupil’s full‑time education and are not treated as absences for attendance purposes:

• Educational visits and school trips
• Approved sporting activities
• Off‑site educational activities arranged or approved by the school
• Dual registration at another school
• Provision arranged by the Local Authority, such as alternative provision

These sessions will be marked using the appropriate attendance codes but are not counted as absences.

If You Need to Request an Absence

If you believe your child’s situation may fall within the categories above, please contact the school office and submit a request in advance. We are happy to discuss individual circumstances and offer guidance.