Attendance and Absence

Regular attendance is vital for success both at school and in the workplace.  Good attendance constitutes above 95%.

90% in a test is a good score; 90% attendance isn’t – it’s the same as having nearly 4 weeks off school in a year!  The impact of attendance on GCSE grades is stark.

 

Reporting an Absence

Please visit the Reporting your child absent page under Contact Us.

 

Absence in Term Time (non-medical)

From August 19, 2024, under the new national penalty notice framework, all schools will be required to consider a penalty notice when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons, including term-time holiday.

The fine for school absences across the country will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. This fine applies per parent, per child. 

If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160.

Fines per parent/per child will be capped to two within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached a prosecution may be considered.

If you are prosecuted and attend court because your child hasn’t been attending school, you could be fined of up to £2,500.

The headteacher is only permitted to authorise absence in exceptional circumstances. If you wish to request absence in term time for your child, please complete the online form. Completed application forms should be sent to the Headteacher four weeks in advance of the absence requested.  Application forms should also be completed for compassionate leave requests and as much notice as possible is requested.

 

Application Form for Absence in Term Time The Henry Box School