Our high attendance figures are testament to our engaging curriculum, which encourages pupils to come to school every single day, as well as the strong pastoral support we provide for pupils with particular medical needs through our highly professional and competent medical team. We are particularly proud of our attendance figures for Reception pupils – 96% for 2018/19 – which shows an excitement in coming to school from the very first year. Our figures for persistent absentees (pupils classed by the Department for Education as those absent for 10% or more of their own possible sessions) have reduced steadily over the last 3 years as a result of school support for particular pupils and their families. 

In July 2019, two Year 6 pupils were presented with outstanding achievement awards for 100% attendance for their entire primary education from Reception to Year 6. That is 1,330 days at school and not one day off or one late mark – quite an achievement! 

Attendance

Pupils who achieve 100% attendance at the end of each term are awarded badges which may be worn on blazers or jumpers.  An exceptional attendance award for 100% attendance for the entire academic year is celebrated at our end of year prize giving service. 

Exceptional Leave of Absence During Term Time

Holidays during term time are not permitted. There are 175 days per year when pupils are scheduled holidays for such purposes.

Exceptional leave will be considered by the headteacher for absence which genuinely demonstrates exceptional circumstances (such as a bereavement).  The school’s pro-forma must be used for exceptional leave and can be submitted here (link to absence) or via an email to the admin team: admin@cts-school.org

The Governing Body permits the headteacher to authorise an exceptional absence, at her discretion, if the following conditions are met:

• there is at least 97% attendance in the current and previous academic year
• the request represents a genuinely exceptional circumstance, and is a one-off request
• any previous leave and historic attendance figures are taken into consideration
• leave is almost never permitted in the week before or after a holiday such as half term or Christmas
• the headteacher may not authorise requests where the reasons provided include reasons such as cheaper flights

Please note that:

• Holidays in term time disrupt your child’s education
• Ten days absence per year is equivalent to 5.3% of your child’s education in that year
• Children who have been granted authorised absence who do not return on time on the day agreed after any authorised absence can be removed from the school roll in line with the relevant legislation
• Medical Appointments, Musical Examinations and similar or visits to local secondary schools in years 5 or 6 are always authorised – some are classified as educated off site which does not affect your child’s attendance record