Student Attendance
Good attendance at school is intrinsically linked to high attainment and positive wellbeing. Accordingly, Verulam places huge importance on our students attending school every day.
The link between attendance and good examination results is clear. Pupils with 100% attendance typically make over half a GCSE grade’s progress more than the national average in every subject. Whereas pupils with less than 90% attendance, around a grade lower in every subject.
Maximising School Attendance
- Children need to go to school regularly and punctually
- Verulam’s attendance target is 97% and above.
- If you are having problems getting your child to school, please contact us. We will discuss the attendance issues with you and work together to put a plan in place.
- Develop consistent evening and morning routines with your child.
- Regularly talk to your child about their school day.
- Please try to book medical appointments after school
Absence Procedure
Lunchtime
At lunchtime pupils in Years 7 to 11 must remain on the school site unless they are going home for lunch or to the Mosque on a Friday. In either case they are required to acquire a lunchtime pass which will allow them out. Sixth form students should not leave the site at break.
Late arrivals/Early departures
If a student arrives late to school, he or she must sign in at Student Services before going to lessons.
Any students leaving before the end of the school day for any reason must sign out at Student Services before they leave.
Students may only leave early if we have previously been advised by a parent by email absence@verulam.aetrust.uk , telephone or letter or have a signed note in their planner from a parent explaining the reasons. This note must be shown at Student Services when signing out.
Absences due to illness
If a student is absent or late due to illness, or an appointment, the parent must inform the school either by telephone on the Student absence line 01727 754101 before 8.15am and on each subsequent day the student is absent or an email to. absence@verulam.aetrust.uk . A specific reason must be given for the absence. The absence line is a voicemail system only.
Leave of absence during term time
Headteachers no longer have the discretion to allow time for a family holiday or to agree to extended leave for parents/carers to visit their country of origin during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Taking children out of school during term time means they would be losing valuable school time at the expense of their education. If your child is absent from school because of a holiday, which has not been agreed, then this will be classified as an unauthorised absence and you may be fined or legal action taken against you. If you feel that the circumstances for an absence is exceptional than an application must be made to school, prior to any arrangements being made. School will then decide whether or not the absence can be authorised.
To request such an absence, please contact the school to acquire the Leave of Absence Form.
