Absence
We aim to ensure all pupils’ attendance is as good as possible but understand that there are occasions when absence is unavoidable.
Authorised absences
Absences which are unavoidable or for which the Headteacher has given consent are known as ‘authorised absences’ and will be recorded as such. These may occur when a child is ill, has a medical appointment or where there are exceptional circumstances which may necessitate your child being absent. Please let us know about such circumstances and we will deal with them sympathetically.
Amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time for the purpose of a family holiday unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The Leave of Absence Request Form (LOAF) has been updated to reflect a policy change (August 2025). Schools are now authorised to issue Penalty Notices to parents who attempt to avoid penalties by scheduling holidays that fall below the threshold, including during weeks containing Bank Holidays or INSET days.
Applications for approved leave of absence during the school term should be made in writing to the Headteacher using the form below:
Request to authorise absence from school due to exceptional circumstances form
Unauthorised absences
Any absence which is avoidable or is taken without the consent of the Headteacher will be recorded as an ‘unauthorised absence’.
Examples of ‘unauthorised absence’ include:
- a family ‘day out’
- sleeping in after a late night
- a birthday
- shopping or hair cuts
- waiting in for a delivery
- holidays taken during term
- any absence where there is no explanation given or where the explanation given is considered unsatisfactory by the Headteacher
If a child is going to be absent parents should notify the school by telephone on the morning of the first day of absence. If the school have not received confirmation of an absence the school office will call the parents to provide confirmation. If no reason is provided within a week of the absence the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
