The most obvious factor impacting on pupil’s achievement is attendance
Research indicates that students with good attendance are 2.8 times more likely to achieve 5+ GCSE’s 5-9 or equivalent, including English and maths, than students with 15%-20% absence.  From September 2015, Government guidelines state that students with attendance less than 90% will be classed as persistent absentees and parents will be at risk of a penalty notice and/or court action.

Absence due to illness
Main school: If your child is unable to attend school please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or use Edulink to report the absence or call 0117 3532069 before 8:30am on the first day of absence, giving reason for absence. When your child returns to school please provide a note for your child's tutor even if an explanation has already been given by telephone or email.

Sixth Form: If your child is unable to attend school please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or use Edulink to report the absence or call 0117 3773465.

This leaflet provides advice on whether to send your child into school for a range of illnesses. In addition to this leaflet please find the latest advice regarding Covid symptoms and actions necessary here.

What happens if Your Child is Not Present?

When a student has an absent mark for morning registration and no phone call has been received, a text message will be sent to the parent/carer requesting they contact the school immediately to give the reason for absence.

We aim for all our students to have 95% plus attendance. Should your child's attendance become of concern to us we will write to you informing you of this and request that you make every effort to ensure your child is in school for the maximum number of days possible.

Unacceptable Levels of Absence

If you receive a letter to say we are no longer authorising your child's absence, this is due to a high level of illness or where no reason has been provided. High levels of absence would be more than five days on one occasion or three occasions of one day or more, usually when attendance is 90% or lower.  You can get illness/medical appointments authorised by bringing in appointment cards or medication packaging or other medical evidence. These should be brought to reception for the attention of the Attendance Officer, we will copy it, store it on their file and return the original. Alternatively, documentation can be scanned and sent to the Deputy Heads of House.

Absence Letters

If you receive a letter/email asking where your child was on a certain date it is important that you contact us.  You can do this via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., telephone or sending your child in with the slip completed. If we do not receive this information a penalty notice could be issued as the absences will stay as unauthorised.

Leave of Absence requests

The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006 (amended 2013) includes the fact that Headteachers’ may NOT grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If there are exceptional circumstances parents/carers will need to complete a Leave of Absence request in advance asking to have a discussion about the reasons.

Penalty Notices

A £60 penalty notice can be issued by the local authority if there are between 8-20 half day absences in any 10 week period. All parents/carers at risk of receiving a penalty notice are sent an appointment to discuss how we can stop attendance getting to the point where a fine is sent. It is important you attend this meeting or advise us in advance if you are unable to attend. Penalty notices are £60 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120 if paid between 22 and 28 days. If payment is not made by the 28 day deadline you may be prosecuted for the offence of failing to ensure your child’s regular attendance at school.

Child Employment and Licensing

Children can be employed in certain occupations from 13 to 16 years old (or until the child reaches Statutory Leaving Age). They will need a work permit and this is free from the local authority. Children who perform on stage, in television, film or commercial work, who take part in paid or professional sport or who work as models need to be licensed by their local authority, if they are missing school. Please refer to the Bristol City Council child employment and licensing website page for further information.