Pupils who achieve most and gain most from the opportunities we offer invariably have an excellent attendance record.
RHSC expects all pupils to achieve at least 96% attendance during each academic year. We have a range of rewards and incentives for pupils who achieve high attendance. Pupils with attendance of 97% or over will be recognised and rewarded.
Pupils whose attendance is between 90% and 95% will be spoken to by their tutor or the Attendance Officer to identify reasons for this. Support will be offered where necessary.
Once attendance falls below 90% parents/carers may be required to attend a support meeting to establish why attendance has slipped and to identify ways of improving it.
Where pupil attendance falls below *85% they fall into a category that the Government calls "persistent absenteeism". At this point, if absence is not supported by medical evidence, the school will be obliged to start legal proceedings. It is the parents/carers who are responsible for their child's attendance, and if it does not improve they may be prosecuted and fined. If the school does not accept the reason given by parents/carers for absence it will become "unauthorised". This is important because if a pupil has regular unauthorised absences, their parents/carers can be liable for a fixed penalty fine. We will work with parents/carers to do all we can to maximise attendance.
Term time absence
Absences for medical appointments are permitted, however, where possible they should be arranged outside normal school hours. If it is necessary for your son/daughter to attend medical appointments during school hours please inform the attendance team by telephoning 01603 870328, choose option 1 to leave a message, either in advance or by 9.00am on the day. If pupils are regularly absent due to medical appointments, or when their attendance is poor, evidence of appointments may be requested. Evidence can be in the form of an appointment card, prescription slip or referral letter. The attendance team will take a copy for our records. Details will be stored confidentially and only accessed by the attendance team.
Requests for all other term time absences must be made in writing to the Principal stating dates and explaining the circumstances. Recent changes in the law mean that permission can only be granted in "exceptional circumstances".
Mrs C Boal, Attendance Officer
Email attendance@reephamhigh.org.uk
Attendance Letter
Leave of Absence Form
