02 October 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our value for the week is Tradition, and as I reflect on what makes our academy a special place, one tradition stands out above all others: students turning up each day, ready to learn, contribute and succeed.
I am delighted to share that we have recently been awarded recognition for our attendance performance compared to other schools. This is something we are extremely proud of. The award reflects the commitment of our students, families and staff to ensure that education remains a daily priority for everyone in our care.
However, what this recognition truly celebrates are the students who are here day in, day out. They understand that learning is built through regular attendance and that every lesson matters. Many students attend school despite feeling a little under the weather with coughs, colds and sniffles. With appropriate over-the-counter medication, support from home and care from our pastoral and first aid teams, they can continue learning and remain connected to their education and their friendship groups.
National research continues to demonstrate a strong link between attendance and attainment. The Department for Education found that Year 11 pupils with attendance above 95% were almost twice as likely to achieve a Grade 5 in English and Maths as those attending between 90% and 95%, and that missing just ten days in Year 11 could halve the likelihood of securing a Grade 5 in these core subjects.
We see a similar pattern within our own academy data. Students who attend regularly and maintain attendance above 90% achieve, around one GCSE grade higher per subject than their peers who are persistently absent. While attendance is only one factor in success, it is one of the few factors that we can all work together to improve.
Good attendance is about much more than examination results. It helps students build friendships, develop resilience, establish routines, access wider curriculum opportunities/clubs/activities after school and helps them to feel a sense of belonging within our school community. Every day in school matters.
We also recognise that for some families, attending school regularly can be difficult. There may be barriers relating to anxiety, health, special educational needs, family circumstances, transport or other challenges. If your child is struggling to attend, please do not suffer in silence. Our Attendance Team, Pastoral Team, Safeguarding Team and SEND Team work closely together to support students and their families. Our approach is always to understand the particular barrier, work in partnership with you and provide support where possible. We know that every family’s circumstances are unique, and we are committed to helping children access the education they deserve.
As parents and carers, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your child attends school regularly. While fixed penalty notices remain available to local authorities, they are always a last resort. Our priority is, and will always be, to work with families to prevent attendance issues from reaching that stage.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that every child benefits from the opportunities, experiences and successes that come from being in school every day.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs K Wright
Vice Principal