Attendance at school has been shown to be directly linked to pupil progress and achievement. Even missing a day of school can leave a pupil behind and make it difficult to catch up. Punctuality is a habit which will stand pupils in good stead for the future and is a desirable character trait. To be punctual is also in a way fulfilling a promise, and fulfilling promises is a key characteristic of a practicing Muslim.
A leave of absence request should always be filled in advance and handed in to the form tutor. In the case of an appointment, we require proof of the appointment; a copy of the appointment letter or card with the pupil name on it is sufficient.
We ask that parents try their best not to book medical appointments during the school day. If possible, book them after school. If this is not possible, they should be booked either at the beginning of the day or at the end, to enable the pupil to be present for as much of the day as possible. This may not be possible for hospital appointments, and so pupils should be picked up from the School for the appointment, and then dropped off afterwards.
Term time holidays
From 1st September 2013, amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 made clear that Head Teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 apply to all maintained schools, academies, studio schools, free schools and independent schools.
