At Hartland High School we know that good attendance and punctuality are crucial to student success.

We expect that all students will:

• Attend school every day

• Attend school punctually and be welcomed through the school gates by 8.30am

• Attend school appropriately prepared for the day

We expect that all parents/carers who have day-to-day responsibility for the children and young people will:

• Encourage regular school attendance and be aware of their legal responsibilities;

• Ensure that the child/children in their care arrive at school punctually and prepared for the school day

National ONS research shows that consistent school attendance is one of the strongest protective factors for a young person’s emotional wellbeing, helping them build strong friendships, maintain confidence, and feel connected. Daily routine and presence in class actively protect mental health while giving students the tools to thrive.

 When students feel connected and attend regularly, the academic benefits speak for themselves. Looking at our most recent Year 11 cohort:

• 95%+ Attendance: Achieved an average of Grade 5.8

• 90%+ Attendance: Secured an impressive average of Grade 4.5

• 80%–89% Attendance: Reached an average of Grade 3.7.

Every day in school is an opportunity to strengthen friendships, boost confidence, and unlock future pathways!

We choose to celebrate and reward students who demonstrate excellent attendance. Each week, students with 100% attendance are entered into a prize draw to win vouchers. We also award attendance stamps, which students can collect and spend on a variety of prizes at our Swap Shop every Monday lunchtime.

Furthermore, students can strive to become one of our 'Always' Students. These are individuals who achieve 100% attendance and zero negative points over a term, earning a badge,a prize,  a letter home, and special recognition in our celebration assemblies.

Reporting absence due to illness

If you think your child is too unwell to go to school, use this NHS guide to help you:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/ 

We encourage all parents to send their child to school if you’re unsure. We have a first aid team on site, and our team will send your child home if we feel they are too unwell to access school.

Parents should communicate reasons for a late arrival or absence to school by 8:30am on the morning of each day of absence. This is through on 01189 370200 and select option one or by emailing attendance@hartlandhigh.co.uk.

On the third occurrence of illness in a term, we would expect medical evidence to be provided either via email at attendance@hartlandhigh.co.uk or by bringing in the evidence to school reception. 

Any unexplained absence is treated as unauthorised absence. Please contact the school promptly whenever any problem occurs that may keep the child away from school.

School attendance that drops below 95% is considered a cause for concern (95% equates to 10 missed days across a whole school year). If this does not improve, there is a graduated response which could result in legal action.

To help, please try to make medical appointments outside the school day, take holidays out of school term time, and communicate any reasons for absence clearly with school staff.