Attendance

Students who have higher levels of attendance are far more likely to be successful both during their time at school and in the future. We want all students to unlock their unique potential and understand that high levels of attendance and good punctuality are key to this.
 
It is very important therefore that you make sure that all students attend school regularly and this policy sets out how together we will achieve this.

The Impact of Attendance on Performance

Attendance Average maths grade Progress across all GCSEs and KS4 courses
96+% 5 Approximately half a grade higher across every GCSE compared to national average progress.
91-95% 4 Average progress attainment in every GCSE subject.
75-90% 3 Approximately a third of a grade lower across every GCSE compared to national average progress.
Below 75% 2 Over 1.5 grades lower across every GCSE compared to national average progress.

How do I get 95% or higher?

  • 98% – no more than 4 days off in a school year
  • 95% – no more than 9 days off in a school year
  • 90% – no more than 19 days off in a school year

For any attendance-related queries or support, please reach out to Miss Clark-Hutchinson, our attendance officer, at n.clark-hutchinson@todhigh.co.uk. She’ll be happy to assist you with any questions regarding student attendance.

What we expect from parents

Parents / carers are expected to:

  • Ensure their child attends regularly. This means every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill.
  • Report any absence by calling the absence line before 8.30 am on 01706 813558 stating the name, form and reason for absence.
  • Ensure, where possible, appointments for their child are made outside of the school day.
  • Avoid taking holidays in term-time.

We ask parents / carers to also:

  • Praise and reward good attendance.
  • Establish good attendance habits by acting as role models.
  • Establish good routines at home to support high levels of attendance. This includes bedtime and morning routines to ensure students are getting enough sleep.
  • Be aware of the timings of the school day and your child’s timetable to avoid issues e.g. ensuring PE kit is brought in on the correct day.
  • Talk regularly with your child about school and where necessary raise concerns with your child’s learning manager.
  • Engage in any additional support that is recommended to help improve the attendance of your child.

What we expect from students

Students are expected to:

  • Attend school every day on time.
  • Attend every lesson of every day on time.
  • Not leave school site without permission.
  • Follow the correct procedures regarding absence.

We ask students to also:

  • Show care for their peers by encouraging good attendance and punctuality.
  • Monitor their attendance and punctuality.
  • Show resilience. Only take days off when they are genuinely too ill to attend school.
  • Inform a trusted adult in school if there are additional reasons / factors that are having an impact on their attendance.

Holidays in Term Time

SEE OUR FULL ATTENDANCE POLICY