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

Failure to secure your child’s regular attendance at school is an offence under Section 444 of the  Education Act 1996.  If the absence is not authorised, the Local Authority may take legal proceedings against a parent/guardian. This may result in the following:

• A Penalty Notice requiring payment of a penalty of up to £120 per parent per child. Failure to pay the penalty will result in prosecution before a Magistrates Court.
• Prosecution under Section 444(1) Education Act 1996, where if convicted, a parent/guardian may be fined up to £1,000.
• Prosecution under Section 444(1A) Education Act 1996 where if convicted, a parent/guardian may be fined up to £2,500 and/or a custodial sentence.

Please note that you may not be issued with a Penalty Notice as the Local Authority may decide that it is appropriate to prosecute you without first offering an alternative.

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.