Every parent wants the very best education for their child and then as adults to be able to lead a healthy, happy and successful life. We at Simon Balle All-through school want this too. We know that good attendance (at least 97%) is key to achieving this and that expectations and habits need to be established from the earliest age.

Good attendance leads to high achievement. Attending school every day means that students can take up every opportunity that is on offer in terms of their academic learning and also extra curricular activities, for then they will flourish.

We expect  every parent to support us in our aim for 100% attendance for each and every student. We aim to work in partnership between school and home so if need be , we can offer support in order that attendance can subsequently improve.

Please see this guide for further information about understanding attendance

Leave of absence forms can be found at the bottom of this page.

Our attendance policy can be found on the policies page of our website.

Our Expectations

Children and young people will attend school unless there is a specific medical condition or an exceptional one off other reason. If attendance falls below 95% we may well need to work more closely with parents and children.

If a child is sick and unable to attend school we expect all parents to contact the school on that day (phone or email)

Attendance affects learning, future earning, wellbeing and a sense of belonging

A child’s absence during term time can seriously disrupt their continuity of learning. Not only do they miss the teaching provided on the days they are away, they are also less prepared for the lessons building on that after their return. If leave of absence is not agreed by the school, then the absence is recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance Parent guidance

Pupils of school age must, by law, attend school regularly. If your child is to be away from school you need to ask us to approve the absence in advance, which we will do when there is an exceptional reason. The forms to compete are below:

Leave of absence form (primary, secondary and sixth form)