Attendance and Punctuality

At King’s Warrington, we expect the highest standards of attendance and punctuality. Improving attendance is in everyone’s interest and it is everyone’s business.

Our staff understand the link between good attendance and securing your child’s future academic achievements. Good attendance is also important as it helps to keep your child safe and healthy. We encourage each one of our students to work towards 100% attendance and set a minimum attendance target of 97% per year.

Good attendance from your child reflects your commitment as parents to make sure that they achieve well academically. It also demonstrates your commitment to our school’s mission.

Attending school is essential for good academic progress. Please find below a more detailed illustration around attendance and lost lessons as a result of being absent

98-100%

 Your child is accessing almost all learning opportunities.

96-97%

 Your child is missing very few learning opportunities.

92-93%

There is a risk of underachievement for your child.

Up to 10 school days missed in an academic year which is equivalent to up to 60 lessons or 300 lessons over a 5-year period.

90-92%

High risk of severe underachievement.

Up to 19 school days absent in the academic year which is equivalent to up to 114 lessons or 570 lessons over 5 years.

Less than 90%

There is a high risk of severe underachievement for your child

This is upwards of 22 school days absent in the academic year which is equivalent to at least 132 lessons and at least 660 lessons throughout your child’s time at school.

In line with national guidelines and rules, we do not permit students to take exceptional leave during term time as this has a very negative impact on their learning. If you would like any further information please contact us at:

What you should do if your child is absent?

  • Contact school by telephone before 8:20 advising reason for absence and possible return date.

Call - 01925 817939

  • Provide notes to academic tutor stating the reason for absence period on the first day returning to school
  • Provide medical evidence if your child’s attendance is below 97% (For example, Doctor’s note, appointment card or prescription bottle/tablets)
  • Ensure your child completes any work missed

Term Time Leave of Absence

We cannot legally authorise a leave of absence.  Taking a leave of absence will affect your child’s educational future as much as any other absence.  It is our legal obligation to issue fixed penalty notices to any parent or carer taking their child out of school for a holiday.  Remember that any savings you think you may make by taking a holiday in school time are offset by the cost to your child’s education.

Medical appointments affect attendance

We understand there may be times throughout a child’s education when they have to attend dental, orthodontic, doctor or hospital appointments during the school day.  It is important to understand that medical appointments do affect attendance and should be avoided where ever possible. 

When making appointments, please ask for times either after school, early in the morning (before 8:45) or late afternoon (after 2:30) as this will help the overall attendance and reduce disruption to learning. Pupils must return to school after their appointment, wherever possible.

All medical and dental appointments need to be notified in advance by letter. As a legal requirement, evidence of the appointment must be provided e.g. appointment card, compliment slip, hospital or orthodontic letter.

Why is Punctuality important?

  • As well as excellent attendance is very important to a student’s academic progress, so too is good punctuality.
  • Gets the day off to a good start and puts you in a positive frame of mind so you can make the most of your learning opportunities.
  • Leads to better achievement because you attend the WHOLE of your classes.
  • Helps develop a sense of responsibility for yourself and towards others and is a sign of good character.
  • It is respectful to your teacher and classmates and builds good habits for later in life when your employer pays you to be in on time.
  • Research shows that attendance and punctuality are the single most important factors in school success.

Poor punctuality is not acceptable.  If your child is late (after 8:20) they will be required to make this time up.  They may be required to attend an after-school detention if they are late more than once a week.