It is important all non-emergency appointments be arranged outside school hours. Where it is unavoidable to book a medical appointment outside of the school day, we ask that they are made late in the afternoon so that students can access as much of their learning as possible. Medical appointment letters must be provided to enable any absence to be authorised as ‘medical’. 

Permission from the Headteacher must be sought for all absences that occur during term-time. A ‘leave of absence form’ from the school attendance office or download below and return it to school at least two weeks before the intended departure. Only the Headteacher can decide if the absence is to be authorised or unauthorised. Under current regulations, schools cannot authorise any holidays taken in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. School will require evidence of exceptional circumstances, which should be attached to the ‘request for leave of absence form’ and the judgement about what is exceptional will be made by the Headteacher. 

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO BRADFORD COUNCIL’S UNAUTHORISED TERM TIME LEAVE ACTION: From September 2024, the fines for taking your child out of school will increase from £60 to £80 per child, per parent. Bradford Council may take you to court if your child’s attendance falls below 80% or you do not pay the penalty notice. If Bradford Council do take you to court, you could be fined up to £2500 per child, per parent, if found guilty, as well as receive a criminal record, which may be reportable to employers (for example, via a DBS Check).

There are some occasions e.g., bereavements, family problems, etc. where it may be inappropriate for children to attend school and these cases will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please discuss these circumstances with your child’s Pastoral Manager should they arise. 

Absence and first day call:  If your child is unable to attend school you should inform us on the first day of absence before 8am by telephone (01274 659888). You will need to state: 

• the pupil’s name
• your relationship to the pupil i.e. parent/carer etc.
• the reason for absence.

Parents/carers are required to call each day a student is absent. A member of staff is likely to call you back to discuss the absence every day and ascertain when your child is likely to return to school. If you are not contactable by phone, a home visit may be made. 

If a students’ attendance falls below 95%, we will work with parents to support the child to improve. Initially, you will be informed in writing that your child is not currently meeting the expected level of attendance and be given time to address the situation. Where no improvement is made, we will request to meet with parents in school to discuss an attendance improvement plan for your child. If there is still no significant improvement, referrals for penalty notice fines and legal prosecutions will be made. These will be administered by Bradford Local Authority. 

Penalty Notice Fines: Regular and punctual attendance of students at school is both a legal requirement (Section 7 of the Education Act 1996) and essential for students to maximise the opportunities available to them to reach their full potential. It is parent(s)/carers responsibility to ensure their child/ren receive(s) efficient fulltime education. Where student attendance is poor without good reason, penalty notices and referrals for legal prosecution will be made to the local authority. Please also be aware that national legislation regarding punctuality came into force in September 2023 and parents can be fined for 6 or more occasions of lateness.