At Hornchurch High School we have an expectation that students maintain an annual attendance figure of over 96%. Attendance below this level can leave students vulnerable to subject knowledge gaps.
There is a strong link between excellent school attendance and achievement, students that have an attendance figure of above 96% on average achieve 1 or 2 grades higher in all subject areas than students with attendance below 95%.
Reporting Absences
Students who are absent from morning Tutorial or afternoon registration period will have their absence recorded as unauthorised until a reason is provided.
First Day of Absence
Any absence from school due to illness, appointments or any other reason MUST be reported to the Attendance Office by 9.00am at the latest.
Please contact the attendance office by Messaging via InTouch on SIMS, ParentMail App, calling the attendance line on 01708 691441 x 208232 or email jbryan@hornchurchhigh.com
Absences should always be followed up by written confirmation from the parent/carer. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated. Upon return to school a parental letter detailing the reason for absence is required.
Medical Appointment during school day
Whilst we understand that it is not always possible to arrange appointments outside of the school day, it is expected that students, where possible, will attend school around the appointment.
Evidence of the medical appointment is required for us to authorise the absence. Students should take their medical letter/appointment card, along with a letter from their parent/carer confirming details of any late arrival or early departure from school to the Attendance Officer for authorisation. Failure to supply the requested information may result in a student’s absence being recorded as unauthorised.
When leaving the school site students are expected to sign out at the Attendance Office and sign back in on return.
Leave of Absence
In normal circumstances the school will not authorise absences for holiday or extended leave during term time. However, each case will be dealt with individually and in exceptional circumstances approval maybe given.
Please note that it is a legal requirement for parents/carers to obtain permission from the school before removing a child to take leave during term time. You may be issued with a Penalty Notice of £60 per parent per child, if your child is taken out of school without prior authorisation.
Should you wish to make a request for term time leave please complete our ‘Request for Leave of Absence’ form.
Lates
When a student is late to school or registration they must report to the Attendance Officer and sign-in. They will receive an automatic 15 minute detention at break 1 and additional sanctions may be applied for repeated lateness.
AM Registration
Students will receive a late mark if they fail to attend morning registration by 8.35 am.|
PM Registration
Students will receive a late mark if they arrive to their designated lesson after it has started.
