Attendance

We expect students to attend at all times. If a student does not attend school they will not learn. A student's regular attendance and punctuality are a parent's or guardian's legal responsibility.

All parents of a student who will not be attending school through illness or for other unforeseen reasons are required to telephone the school office before 10am to give the reason. A note, signed by a parent or guardian, confirming the reason, must be brought after every absence otherwise the absence will be logged as unauthorised. By law, only the School can authorise an absence.

The Local Education Authority's Educational Welfare Service investigates unexplained absences. It is essential that students attend regularly. We believe that student attainment and success are closely linked to regular attendance. Dental or medical treatment should be arranged after school.

If, in very exceptional circumstances, you need to request absence from school for your child during school time you should apply to the School, 8 weeks prior to the known absence, for an official Absence Form. Once this has been returned to School, it will be forwarded to the Local Education Authority. Research indicates that two weeks' absence can seriously affect potential examination results.

By taking time off school for holidays, parents are encouraging their child to fail. Cheap holidays will reduce the academic achievement of your child!