ATTENDANCE and PUNCTUALITY
At Trinity School we recognise that attending school regularly and on time has a positive impact on learning, progress and therefore the best life chances for our students. Excellent attendance and punctuality is the key for our students’ success.
Therefore, we must ensure that attendance and punctuality are the highest they possibly can be. In line with the Government and Local Authority Guidelines, we expect all our students to maintain an attendance level of at least 95%,and attendance of below 90% is officially classified as “persistent absenteeism,” a level at which we are legally obliged to investigate and to take appropriate formal action.
It is the responsibility of everyone in our school community – parents, staff, students and governors to ensure they achieve this. Therefore, we monitor and review the attendance of all our students constantly.
Why is attendance so important and how is it linked to attainment?
Good school attendance is vital to success in school. Research says that students with 100% attendance are 1.5 times more likely to achieve 5+ GCSEs A*-C or equivalent and 2.8 times more likely to achieve 5+ GCSEs A*-C or equivalent including English and mathematics than students with attendance below 85%.
Why is Punctuality Important?
Because it is very important indeed. Research shows that:- attendance and punctuality are the single most important factors in school success;
Being on time:
- Gets your day off to a good start and puts you in a positive frame of mind, so that you can make the most of your learning opportunities
- Sets positive patterns for the future. You can’t expect to keep a job if you’re always coming in late
- Leads to a good attendance record
Leads to better achievement because you attend the WHOLE of all of your classes
The table below illustrates how many days of school a student would miss at different levels of attendance:
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| Attendance Percentage | Days missed over a school year | |
| 100% | 0 Days | |
| 95% | 10 Days | |
| 90% | 20 Days | |
| 85% | 30 Days | |
| 80% | 40 Days |
Being in school for 95% of the time.
That means you are in school for
180 – 190 days per year.
The school day
At Trinity School all students are expected to be in school in good time for the first lesson of the day, which starts at 08.30
What happens if a student is late?
Teachers will practice a ‘hold-back’ conversation (no more than 10 minutes) to discuss issues.
If issues persist, students will be added to the Head of Year detention system. This lasts for 35 minutes and runs daily. Parents/carers can expect communication from school to provide advance warning of this sanction. Attendance at the detention is important, to ensure additional sanctions are not put into place.
Persistent lateness my result in a referral to the school attendance team, for more intensive support.
Parents and Carers Section
In this section you will find guidance, advice and tips regarding attendance and punctuality.
- Ensure your child attends school every day.
- Ensure your child is on time, every day.
- Follow the proper guidelines for reporting excused absences.
- If your child is not well enough to attend, contact the school before 9.00am on the first day of absence.
- Monitor your child’s attendance.
- Try to make dental and medical appointments outside of school times
- Take family holidays during school holidays as term time holidays will only be authorised by school in very exceptional circumstances
- Try to attend Parents’ Evenings and other school events.
- Talk to your child about school and take an interest in what they are doing.
- Contact school immediately if you have any concerns about their progress or welfare.