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Attendance policy: model and examples

Download and adapt our model attendance policy, or if you prefer to write or review your own, use our checklist setting out requirements and good practice. Share your policy highlights with parents and carers using our handy summary letter.

Last reviewed on 22 September 2025See updates
Ref: 41717
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Download our model policy
  2. Use our policy checklist
  3. Remind parents and carers of the rules around attendance
  4. Find more advice and guidance on our site
  5. See school examples

Download our model policy

Our model policy:

  • Is in line with the statutory (from 19 August 2024) working together to improve school attendance guidance, as well as relevant requirements and good practice
  • Is designed for your school to adapt
  • Has been approved by Forbes Solicitors
  • Includes editable sections for EYFS providers (emergency contacts in section 3.7 and a new section on prolonged absence in section 7.4)

Changes for September 2025 Section 2 – updated the list of legislation and guidance Section 4.2 – edited information about unplanned absence due to physical or mental illness Section 5 – we've updated this section to focus entirely on authorised absence, and broken it down into 3 sub-sections (5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) Section 5.1 – changes in wording for granting a leave of absence and added an example definition of 'exceptional circumstances' Section 6 – added text explaining why it's important that pupils don't miss lessons Section 7 – new section on approaches to supporting pupils with poor attendance, including Section 7.1 – attendance contracts Section