PUPIL ABSENCE STATISTICS

In DFE Circular No. 11/91, unauthorised absence is described as ‘absence from school without leave from a duly authorised person.’ That person is the Headteacher. Legitimate reasons for absence include sickness or any unavoidable cause, time which is set apart for religious observance by a religious body to which the parents belong and time when suitable transport is not available and the school is not within walking distance. Compassionate leave is granted on such grounds as attendance at a family funeral or similar extreme circumstances.

Absence is not authorised to accompany parents visiting shows or for a shopping excursion or any other activity which clearly does not require compassionate consideration. Where such absences occur, they are recorded as ‘unauthorised’.

Pupils on roll for at least one session May 2007 921

Number of student sessions (two per day) 274,954

Number of authorised absences 18,379

Number of students with a least one authorised absence 866

Number of unauthorised absences 4,398

Number of students with at least one unauthorised absence 394

Attendances 91.72%

Authorised absences 6.68%

Unauthorised absences 1.60%