‘Regular attendance to school is crucial to raising and maintaining high attainment. If pupils do not come to school, they cannot learn what is taught in a lesson, practise what has been taught or improve on their performance. There is a clear correlation. Pupils who attend regularly achieve more highly’ OFSTED 4.3
Denefield School requests that when you are contemplating applying for a ‘leave of absence’ for a family holiday during term time that you closely consider the following:
Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity
Time taken out of school does affect your child’s academic progress
If you consider it impossible to arrange holidays within the 13 weeks already available, please make sure that a holiday form is completed and returned to school before a holiday booking is made.
Holidays are less likely to be authorised if a student’s attendance record is not in line with the school’s expectations.
Absences will not be authorised if the proposed absence falls during SATS week (Year 9), exam weeks (Years 9, 10, and 12) or at any time during Years 11 and 13. If authorisation is not given and the holiday is taken anyway, this will be recorded as ‘unauthorised absence’ and the Education welfare officer will be informed. Unauthorised holiday may result in a Fixed penalty notice being served.
We thank you in advance for supporting the school in helping your child to achieve their potential.