Attendance

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education. It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education. This means attending school every day that the school is open.  

At BHOA we expect a target attendance of 96%+. 

Why is good attendance so important? 

  • Statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95%.  
  • Regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically, with increased confidence and self-esteem. 
  • Regular attenders find school routines, schoolwork and friendships easier to cope with.  
  • Regular attenders find learning more satisfying and learn a range of new skills. 
  • Regular attenders are most successful in transferring between school, higher education and employment or training. 
  • Research shows that only 10% of students who miss 19 days of school a year achieve five good GCSEs, compared with 38% of occasional absentees, and 58% of regular attenders. This is because too much learning time is lost making it unlikely or difficult to catch up. Future prospects can then be damaged.  

 It is vital that students attend every day.  

The school has a policy on attendance, which can be found on our policies page. 

Unauthorised Absences 

Unauthorised absences are absences where no acceptable reason is given to the school and might include shopping, going to the airport, a relative visiting, visiting a relative, going for a haircut, parent/carer unwell, holidays. 

We are not able to authorise absences for minor illnesses such as: 

  • Coughs 
  • Colds 
  • Stomach aches  
  • Headaches 
  • Period pains  
  • Tiredness 

Holidays/Time off in term time will not be authorised unless there are very exceptional circumstances. A request for term time absence should be put in writing to the Attendance Officer via Edulink. Any period of leave taken without authorisation of the school will be classed as unauthorised, referred to the Local Authority and may attract a sanction such as Fixed Penalty Notice.  

Appointments during the school day 

Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school times wherever possible. Students should attend before and after the appointment where an appointment during the school day cannot be avoided.  

Link to Whole School FPN Warning Letter  

If your child is absent you must: 

  • Contact us as soon as possible (before 8am) on the first day of absence and on the morning of every day of absence thereafter.  
  • Report absences via Edulink 

If your child is absent we will: 

  • Contact you on the day of absence if we have not heard from you. 
  • Invite you to discuss your child’s attendance if their absence drops below expected levels. 

If a pupil is absent due to illness for more than three days, the school may ask parents/carers to provide medical evidence. 

Punctuality and Lateness 

Poor punctuality is not acceptable. Lost time through poor punctuality cannot be replaced. Lessons start at 8:30am. School gates are closed at 8:25am. Students must arrive to school before 8:25am. If your child misses the start of the day their progress will be hindered. Late arriving students disrupt lessons. It can be embarrassing for the child and creates bad habits. Repeated lateness will result in consequences.  

This graph shows how many days are lost over the school year when a student is late to school. 

How can you help your child attend regularly? 

  • Make sure they understand the importance of good attendance and punctuality.  
  • Take an interest in their education – ask about schoolwork and encourage them to get involved in school activities.  
  • Discuss any problems they may have at school – inform their form tutor or year team about anything serious.  
  • Do not let them take time off school for minor ailments – particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work such as a cough or cold. 
  • Arrange appointments and outings after school hours, at weekends or during school holidays will help to prevent disruption to your child’s education and to the school. 
  • If your child is trying to avoid coming to school get in touch with their Form Tutor or Pastoral and Progress Manager with any worries, you or they may have. It is important that we identify the reason and tackle the issue together.  
  • Make sure your child gets enough sleep and is up in plenty of time each morning.  
  • Ensure that your child has full uniform and equipment and it is prepared the night before school.