Attendance

At Northallerton School & Sixth Form College, we believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are fundamental to student success. Our objective is for every student to aim for 100% attendance. When attendance falls below 96%, they are classed as at high risk of missing out on key learning.  Below 90%, students are classified as persistently absent, which is strongly linked to lower academic achievement and reduced life opportunities. 

 

Why Attendance Matters 

National data shows a clear link between attendance and GCSE success:

  • 73.4% of students with 95%+ attendance achieve 5 or more good GCSEs including English and Maths. 

  • This drops to 41% for students with 85–90% attendance. 

  • For students with 50% attendance or less, only 3% achieve 5 good GCSEs. 

Regular attendance helps students: 

  • Build confidence and resilience. 

  • Stay connected with peers and staff. 

  • Access the full curriculum and enrichment opportunities. 

  • Develop habits that support future employment and education. 

Read our attendance policy

Lateness and Its Impact 

Arriving late to school not only disrupts learning but also contributes to a drop in overall attendance. If a student arrives more than 30 minutes after the start of the school day, they receive a ‘U’ code, which counts as an unauthorised absence for the entire morning session. 

Frequent lateness can quickly accumulate and push a student into the persistent absentee category, even if they are present for most of the day. For example: 

  • Being late just once a week over a school year can result in over 6 hours of lost learning. 

  • Repeated lateness may trigger Local Authority procedures, including penalty notices. 

We encourage all students to arrive on time every day, ready to learn. The school day begins at 8:45am, and registers close at 9:15am. 

Reporting Absence 

If your child is absent, please notify us before 8:30am each day of the absence: 

  • Phone: 01609 773340 (Option 1 to leave a voicemail) 

Please include your child’s name, year group, and reason for absence. Continued absence requires daily updates unless otherwise agreed. 

 

Medical Appointments 

We ask that non-urgent medical appointments are scheduled outside of school hours. If this is not possible, appointments should be: 

  • Early morning or late afternoon. 

  • Accompanied by evidence (e.g. appointment card, NHS app screenshot). 

  • Minimise time away from lessons. 

Students should return to school the same day wherever possible. 

 

Monitoring and Support 

Attendance is monitored daily by our Pastoral Team, overseen by our Attendance Officer. If a student’s attendance falls below 93%, we may request medical evidence for further absences. Support is available for families facing challenges, and we work together to remove barriers to attendance. 

We follow a structured process to address persistent absence, including: 

  • Letters of concern. 

  • Attendance panel meetings. 

  • Action plans and monitoring. 

  • Referral to the Local Authority if attendance does not improve. 

Leave of Absence and Holidays 

Term-time holidays are not permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement or serious family issues. Requests must be made to the Headteacher at least 21 days in advance using the Leave of Absence form available from the school office or website. 

Unauthorised holidays or persistent absence may result in: 

  • Fixed Penalty Notices: £80 per parent per child (rising to £160 if unpaid after 21 days). 

  • Prosecution under the Education Act 1996. 

How Parents Can Help 

  • Ensure your child attends school every day and arrives on time. 

  • Reinforce the importance of attendance and its link to progress. 

  • Inform school of planned absences in advance. 

  • Schedule appointments outside school hours where possible. 

  • Keep contact details up to date. 

  • Contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year with any concerns. 

Understanding Attendance Figures 

Here’s how absence affects overall attendance: 

  • 95% = 10 days missed per year 

  • 90% = 20 days missed (Persistent Absence) 

  • 85% = 30 days missed 

  • 80% = 40 days missed 

Even small absences add up. Missing half a day each week equates to half a year of school lost over five years. 

Absence Request for Student Term Time Leave

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