Research shows that students who attend school regularly make better progress within their academic studies as well as socially. Excellent attendance not only supports students academically and socially but also prepares them for the world of work.

We strive for all our students to have at least 95% attendance, making the most of the opportunities that are made available to them both within lessons, social times and within our extensive extra-curricular programme. These opportunities will positively impact your child both now and for their future choices.

Parents and carers play a pivotal role in promoting positive attitudes towards attendance. We ask for support in ensuring that students are on time and ready to learn at every opportunity, avoiding absence which is unnecessary.

We aim to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure regular attendance and good punctuality. We seek parents and carers support in ensuring that their children attend school every day and welcome the opportunity to work together in resolving any difficulties.

Punctuality Matters

St John Fisher Catholic High School Attendance

SJF Attendance in the School Day

Attendance Ladder - Every Minute Counts

Persistent Absentees

Attendance - Term Time Absence

Legal Requirements Whilst at School

Holidays During Term Time

Working Together to Improve School Attendance

Online Support Around School Attendance - Mental Health School AnxietyOnline Support Around School Attendance - Behaviour Support Guidance Links

We expect parents and carers to support us in ensuring that your child arrives on time. Arriving late for school results in an unsettled start to the school day and in your child missing vital messages and learning opportunities.

The school day at St John Fisher Catholic High School starts at 8.45am. All students are expected to arrive in school by 8.40am to be in their form ready to start the school day at 8.45am prompt.

Students should not be on the school grounds before 8.30am as the entrance doors to the school building are not opened to students until 8.40am.

Students in Years 7 to 11 must enter the school grounds via the green gate entrance to the Chapel playground. Students who arrive after 8.45am must enter the school building via the main reception and sign in at Student Services.

All students should have vacated the school building by no later than 3.35pm unless they are attending a headteacher approved and supervised after-school activity.        

Reporting Absence

What to do if your child is unable to attend school:

If your child is too unwell to attend the school please use Report Absence form to both notify the school of, and provide updates on, any unplanned absences such as illness.

What to do if your child has an appointment:

If your child has an appointment please use the Report Absence form to notify the school of planned absences such as medical appointments.

We request that all routine medical, dental or other appointments, where possible, are made outside of school time. Where an urgent appointment is required or a hospital appointment within a day clinic has been made, we will require medical evidence in the form of an appointment card or letter to authorise the absence from school.

We ask where possible parents/ carers ensure that your child attends school before and after the appointment to maximise their learning opportunities for that day.

The school will decide if the reason provided for a pupil’s absence is Authorised or Unauthorised.

Examples of Authorised Absence

• Genuine illness, medical evidence will need to be provided if this is long term
• Unavoidable medical appointment
• Religious Observance
• Death of a close family member

Examples of Unauthorised Absence

• Tired
• Illness of parent
• Refusing to attend
• Birthdays or anniversaries
• No clean uniform, damaged uniform or buying school shoes
• Holiday during term time

Leave of Absence

An authorised leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. The government advise parents / carers to avoid taking their child out of school during term time as this will negatively impact their education.

If you require a leave of absence for your child, you must request this in writing by completing the leave of absence form on the website.

Holidays in Term Time

In accordance with new government regulations from September 2013, schools are no longer permitted to authorise any holidays during term time. Holidays, therefore, should be taken during school holiday time. Leave may only be granted in “exceptional circumstances”.

Who to contact about your child’s attendance or punctuality:

Parents with concerns should contact the school Education Welfare and Attendance Officer, Mrs Bath on 01423 887254.