For our students to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and therefore they should be at school every day and on time, unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable.  We want all of our students to receive an education which maximises their opportunities to achieve their full potential.  

Attendance from September 2019 is compulsory at post-16 study so is now covered by the law relating to attendance (Section 7 of the Education Act 1996).  Attendance figures are included in academic reports issued by the school and could be reported in any reference written by The King’s School relating to a student’s progression to higher education, further education or employment.  It is crucial in these highly competitive times, whether applying for work, training or university, that our students have a high level of attendance.

The minimum attendance expected is 96%. Below this:

• The student may be asked to pay for their exam entries
• The student is not entered for examinations

Students are expected to attend every registration and timetabled session published on their timetable.  This includes daily form times and independent study sessions. Any student missing timetabled sessions without authorisation, will be referred to the Head of Sixth Form and appropriate sanctions will be applied. We will praise and reward good attendance and punctuality.

Authorised absence

Any foreseen absence must be notified to the Head of Sixth Form in advance in the form of a letter from the student’s parent/guardian or an official letter i.e. hospital appointment letter/card, this includes:

• University open days
• University, college and job interviews
• Driving tests
• Family/Religious celebrations
• Medical appointments
• Sporting events
• Compassionate leave

In the event of an absence, e.g. illness - please contact Mrs Degg on 01782 783281 option 2 or email sdegg@thekingscofeacademy.org

ALL absences must be reported otherwise they will be stated as unauthorised. 

Please note:

Any student with a continuous absence of longer than five school days is expected to provide a medical note in the case of illness before the absence will be authorised. 

Should a student require more than ten school days absence due to illness, parents/guardians are expected contact the school to discuss the student’s ability to continue with their study programme. Cases will be considered on an individual basis.

Any student with unauthorised continuous absence of longer than 20 school days will be assumed to have left the school and will be removed from the school roll.

Holiday absence

In the case of family holidays, a form must be obtained from the school office and returned to the Sixth Form office. Students should not take holidays in term-time and will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Holidays should not be taken during the main examination period.