School Attendance

Ambition Unlimited – a phrase that runs through every aspect of our school. At Wolverley we work hard with the students to ensure they are the best that they can be. As part of our commitment to the students we closely monitor attendance and punctuality and work with students and their families to ensure students are in school on time, every time.

It goes without saying that those students with outstanding attendance, are most likely to achieve their full potential. Developing a good attitude to this important part of school life will not only help them now but also as adults in the world of work.


Benefits of high attendance:

  • Good attendance = high achievement    
  • It gives students the best chance of being successful at school.
  • Evidence shows students make better progress and get better results than students with poor attendance. For example, in Year 11, an attendance rate of 90% results in underachievement at GCSE examinations by one grade.
  • It allows students to be able to be involved in all activities that the school runs.
  • It supports students to develop positive social relationships with friends and staff.
  • At the start of terms, particularly when classes are new, or where there are planned assessments being held at school, students miss out on key times in their education.
  • It promotes a good work ethic.
  • It supports a safe lifestyle.

If your child is ill:

  • Please contact the school on the first day of absence before 8.30am.
  • Please explain the reason for absence and contact the school every day with the reasons.
  • If we don’t receive a phone call, we will phone to establish why your son/daughter is not in school. If we are unable to contact you, we will write to you so that you can confirm in writing the reason for absence.

Request for leave in term time:

  • Do not book holidays during term time*
  • Please endeavour to not make routine medical and dental appointments during the school day.
  • Make sure your son/daughter understands that you do not approve of them missing school, but be on the alert for any particular reasons for non-attendance, such as problems with schoolwork or relationship issues that might be troubling them.
  • We ask for your support in helping your son/daughter arrive in school on time, as late arrival not only means your child is missing out, but can also interrupt the learning of others.
  • Take an interest in your son/daughter’s education; ask them about their day and praise and encourage their achievements at school.
  • Government regulations make it clear that parents do not have the right or entitlement to take their son/daughter out of school for any leave or absence during term-time. The Headteacher and a Governor may not grant any leave of absence during term-time.

*To request any leave of absence you are asked to complete a request form not less than 4 weeks before the planned absence. This is available from the School Office, or on the school website.

The below form must be completed and returned to the school for consideration:Holidays in term time form

Poor Attendance:

  • Where attendance is a concern, you may be invited to meet with the attendance officer, a senior leader or Head of College to discuss this.
  • Where attendance continues to be a concern, the Education Investigation Service (EIS) will become involved.
  • Poor attendance can lead to a penalty notice fine or court proceedings.
  • If you are experiencing difficulty with your son/daughter’s attendance we can offer help and support. Please come and talk to us. We can also ask other agencies to support you.

Please click here to view our School Attendance Policy

You can find the telephone number and email address for reporting a student absence on our 'Contact Us' page.