Absence and attendance

Contents

  1. Absence data and expectations
  2. Authorised and unauthorised absence
  3. Recording attendance
  4. Strategies for managing attendance
  • Absence and attendance in the sixth form
    Find out what you need to record in your register for sixth-form students. Learn about setting sanctions and whether you have to inform parents about students' absence.
  • Absence requests for religious observance
    Make sure you know how to handle requests for absence from both pupils and staff due to religious events. Also, find links to calendars of celebrations so you can keep on top of dates when you might see absence requests.
  • Pupil term-time absence: what you need to know
    Term-time absences can only be granted in 'exceptional circumstances'. Know what factors you need to consider when deciding whether a circumstance is 'exceptional' and making a judgement around how long the pupil needs to be away from school.
  • Attendance register: requirements and guidance
    Be clear on the rules for registering pupil attendance and absence, so you can make sure your school is compliant. Find guidance on when to close the register, and see what approaches other schools take.
  • Flexi-schooling: guidance
    Get to grips with flexi-school arrangements. Find out what to consider before agreeing to a request for one and what to include in an agreement with parents.
  • How to improve sixth form attendance and behaviour
    Get expert advice to help you improve attendance and behaviour in the sixth form. Read a case study to find out how a sixth form improved standards of attendance and behaviour.
  • How to talk to parents about attendance
    Learn how to approach initial conversations about attendance with parents, and who in your school might be best placed to have them. Use our discussion guide to help build staff confidence around keeping conversations positive and what active listening looks like.