Attendance

School attendance is vital for children’s learning, wellbeing and wider development, and is a strong protective factor for all children and young people, especially the most vulnerable. It supports their long‑term educational outcome and helps safeguard them from harms such as exploitation and radicalisation.

Attendance: why it matters, key data and guidance DfE 18 March 2026

At Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, we place a heavy emphasis on the importance of attendance. High attendance ensures:

  • Academic success
  • Social development
  • Positive and meaningful teacher-child interaction
  • The growth of crucial life skills
  • High levels of engagement

No one day at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School is the same so any day missed puts a child at a disadvantage. Being present and engaged in school life gives each child the opportunity to discover, grow and succeed. High attendance builds resilience and supports wellbeing. Their confidence is strengthened and they develop positive habits that have the potential to remain with them for life.

In line with the DfE, it is our aim that the attendance of pupils at our school is as close to 100% as possible. An attendance figure of less than 90% (which equates to a child missing half a day of school every week) is significant; in these circumstances, a child is classified as persistently absent.

While we understand that there are genuine reasons, notably illness, which mean it is not appropriate to send your child to school, any time away from the classroom is disruptive. A lesson missed puts a child at a disadvantage especially when that lesson falls within a sequence of planned learning activities. It can increase anxiety and, in some cases, affect social interactions and friendship groups.

Research has been carried out which shows a clear link between attendance and attainment at all key stages: The link between attendance and attainment in an assessment year 

From the data analysed: at KS2, pupils who attended school nearly every day in Year 6 (with an attendance rate of 95-100%) were 1.3 times more likely to achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared to pupils who only attended 90-95% of the time. This means missing just 10 days of Year 6 reduced the likelihood of reaching the expected standard by around 25%. Pupils who attended nearly every day were 1.8 times more likely to achieve the standard than persistently absent pupils who only attend 85-90% of the time (relating to 4 -6 weeks more time in school).

The trend continues into Year 11: at KS4, pupils who attended school nearly every day in Year 11 (with an attendance rate of 95-100%) were 1.9 times more likely to achieve the Grade 5 in English and Maths GCSE compared to pupils who only attended 90-95% of the time (relating to up to 2 weeks more time in school over the course of a year) and 3 times more likely than persistently absent pupils who only attend 85-90% of the time (relating to 4 - 6 weeks more time in school). This means missing just 10 days of year 11 reduced the likelihood of achieving grade 5 in English and Maths by around 50%. This may seem a long way of but it illustrates how importance attendance is. 

Therefore, at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School parents/carers are encouraged to send their child to school unless they have a temperature, are vomiting, have diarrhoea or any of the contagious illnesses as outlined in NHS guidance: Is my child too ill for school? - NHS

Parents/Carers are also strongly encouraged to make necessary medical/dental appointments for a child after school whenever possible. Requests for absence (see below) will be granted in the case of a child needing to take an examination or for a religious observance but unless your child is too unwell to manage a school day, daily attendance is expected.

Please refer to our school Attendance Policy and our ERSA (Emotionally Related School Avoidance) guide for further details.

Punctuality

Arriving promptly in the morning will ensure a positive start to the day for your child. The school gate opens at 8:45am with the expectation that every child has passed through by 8:55am. The gate will be locked at 9am at which point your child will be marked late.

For a child arriving late, entering a classroom where their peers have already begun the day can be trauma-inducing. Their start to the day is less calm and it is likely they will miss out on early morning activities designed to recap, motivate and engage. Therefore, you are strongly advised to ensure your child arrives at school as close to 8:45am as possible.

If you arrive after the gates have been locked, we request that you accompany your child to the office to hand them over to staff before you leave. 

Reporting a child's absence owing to illness:

  • Telephone 01628 523766 and select option 1
  • Please state clearly your child's name and class
  • Please state their reason for absence - giving details of their illness

Should your child have an early morning doctor, dentist or hospital appointment a message can be left on this number also.

Unfortunately, if we receive no information explaining your child’s absence, their time away from school will be marked as unauthorised. Please expect a phone call from the School Office.

Absences should be reported on a daily basis before 9.15am.

Request for Term Time Absence

Should your child be required to take an examination during a school day or attend a medical/dental appointment, a Request for Term Time Absence Form must be completed at least fourteen days before. This is also the case for a religious observance. Unless the circumstances are exceptional, a request for term time absence will not be granted and your child’s absence will be marked as unauthorised. A family holiday is not classed as exceptional circumstances.

Please refer to the RBWM term time dates when booking holidays: 

School term dates 2026/27 | School term dates | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead