Year 11 is a fast-paced and demanding year. Every day in the classroom involves crucial lesson content, targeted exam practice, feedback, and support from teachers. When a student misses a day, they do not just miss a set of notes—they miss direct instruction, guided problem-solving, and valuable exam preparation that cannot be fully replicated at home.

The Impact of Attendance on GCSE Results

National research consistently shows a direct link between school attendance and GCSE achievement:

• 95% Attendance: Missing just 9 days of school across the academic year lowers a student’s overall chance of achieving strong GCSE passes.

• 90% Attendance: Equivalent to missing half a day every week or full four weeks of school in a year. Across secondary school, this equals missing half an academic year.

• Impact on Grades: Students with attendance above 95% consistently achieve higher grades across their subjects compared to peers with lower attendance rates.

How You Can Help

We ask for your active support during this vital year:

1. Prioritise Daily Attendance: Aim for 100% attendance unless missing school due to unavoidable illness. Please send your child every single day. If they are too unwell to stay in school we will ask permission to send them home, however there is plenty of alternative support strategies we can provide to keep your child in school and supported throughout the day. 

2. Schedule Appointments Outside School Hours: Please arrange medical and dental appointments after school or during holidays whenever possible.

3. Avoid Term-Time Leave: Absence during Year 11 directly disrupts exam preparation schedules and mock assessments.

4. Communicate Early: If your child is struggling with anxiety, motivation, or health issues, contact their Head of Year immediately so we can put support in place together.

Your child has worked hard to reach this final stage of their secondary education. By working together to ensure they are in school every day, we give them the best possible foundation to achieve the results they deserve.

If there is anything at all we can do to support further, please just ask, but we need to ensure a wrap-around level of support from school and families to give each student the best possible chance of success with only 6 months left at school. 

Thank you for your continued support.