Leave of Absence from School during term time

There is a clear link between poor attendance at school and lower academic achievement. Regular attendance and punctuality is important to young people's future. Children who frequently miss school often fall behind with their work because they fail to learn the basics which are built upon later.

New regulations state that Head teachers may refuse any leave of absence during term time unless there are "exceptional circumstances". Therefore, to get the very best from educational opportunities, children should only be absent from school for the following reasons.

Illess: Please call the school office on 01723 582360 before 8.30am to register your child’s absence, unless they are absent with a sickness bug (this is marked on the register for 48 hours) you must call every day to report your child’s absence.
Please see our ‘first call’ policy for more information.

Medical Appointments: Absence can be authorised by the school for absence for medical or dental appointment during the school day however every effort must be made to try to make these appointments outside of school time.

Education off Site: For pupils attending alternative education provision, the originating school will remain responsible for the attendance of the child. They will be registered as attending education elsewhere. Examples of this are: part-time attendance at a Pupil Referral Unit or Special School, work experience or tuition. In the case of an absence, the carer must inform the alternative provider on the first day of absence giving the reason.

LAC reviews and meetings: These will normally be authorised by the school, although it is expected that these will take place outside school hours wherever possible.

Other reasons for authorised absence: Religious holidays, interviews, study leave (up to 15 days arranged by the school to prepare for Year 11 exams), approved educational activities (e.g. school trips), family bereavement, family contact arrangements that cannot be arranged outside school time.

Please click on the attached form below if you wish to submit a request for a leave of absence.