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Student Absences and Holidays

Student Absences and Holidays

We want to create a fun and welcoming Academy where students want to come every day. However, it can sometimes be a struggle and we look for parental support in ensuring students attend.

Attendance at the Academy is important as studies have consistently shown that students who attend better, achieve better. A student with 90% attendance will miss about half a year of schooling over the course of their time with us, or about half a day a week, and has a significantly reduced chance of gaining good grades at GCSE.

  • How do I report an absence?

    If a student is absent, please contact Reception on 0121 565 8812 and we will record this. When the student returns please provide them with a note which explains the reason for the absence. We will operate a first day calling system if your child is not in the Academy at morning registration to confirm that they are absent. You can find more detail in our Behaviour and Attendance Policy.

  • When will leave of absence be considered?

    As noted above, attendance to the Academy is important.  Leave of absence will usually only be granted in exceptional circumstances and not for general holidays in term time. There are crucial times of year, especially around examinations, where only the most extreme circumstances would be granted.

    • Leave can be granted but only by the Principal on recommendation from a senior pastoral member of staff.
    • Parents are expected to request leave of absence in good time using the Academy’s request form.
    • The Principal may not give leave automatically but will take into account:
    1. The age of the child.
    2. The time of year proposed.
    3. The nature of the holiday.
    4. Parental wishes.
    5. The views of the Head of Year.

    In those cases where leave is not authorised, and the student still goes on holiday, the absence will count as unauthorised and prosecution can result.