Absences adversely affect the progress that students make. One of the most important things you can do for your child is make sure that they attend College regularly and on time. It is only the Principal that can authorise an absence from College. Please read the College Policy on attendance and term-time absence.

We are only able to authorise time off College in EXCEPTIONAL, once-in-a-lifetime circumstances. The Principal cannot authorise a planned absence retrospectively. It is unlikely that an absence will be granted if a student’s attendance is currently below 97% or if the absence would bring them below this figure. Permission will not be given if the reason is because of cost e.g. it is cheaper to get flights during term-time.

The following are indicative of acceptable reasons for requesting an absence:

• for a close family funeral.
• taking part in a significant event involving education, sport, music or other performance.

Unauthorised absence will form part of a student’s record. It is often difficult for students to catch up with work as they miss out on the interaction with the teacher and other students.

Please note that we may need to ask for additional evidence to support any request and therefore require that they are made at least 10 working days in advance of the planned absence.

To apply for a term time absence please click here to download the form.

WARNING

A fixed penalty notice may be issued by the Local Authority if you choose to take your child out of College for an unauthorised term-time absence. Each parent may be liable to a penalty of £60 if paid within 21 days and £120 if paid within 28 days. Where relevant this will apply to each child.

In cases of aggravated non-attendance (where parents have already received a penalty notice) this will be recorded on the National Police Computer and will be declared on any DBS checks carried out by employers or other agencies.