Attendance & Absence
at John Taylor Free School
Why Attendance Matters
At John Taylor Free School, we believe that excellent attendance is essential for students to succeed and thrive. Being in school every day supports academic progress, personal development and wellbeing, and helps students build positive habits for life beyond school.
We set high expectations for attendance and punctuality for all students and work closely with families to support good attendance. Clear processes are in place to support reporting absences and maintaining strong attendance throughout the school year.
90% Attendance
90% attendance equates to missing around four weeks of learning each school year.
Over five years
If attendance is 90% from Year 7 to Year 11, a student will have missed around half a school year of learning.
Impact on GCSE outcomes
Students who are absent for around 17 days a year are likely to drop at least one GCSE grade, which can affect future study and career pathways.
Improving attendance
Improving attendance by just 1% can lead to a 5-6% improvement in attainment.
Attendance Expectations
97-100%
Excellent attendance. Well done.
92-97%
Below our expected level of attendance. Attendance will be monitored.
90% – 92%
Significantly below expected attendance. Families will be contacted and attendance monitored closely.
Below 90%
Persistent absence. Students are missing significant learning time and this may result in statutory action.
Need support with Attendance?
We understand that there may be times when attendance becomes a concern, and we are here to support you.
If your child is finding it difficult to attend school regularly, or if there are circumstances affecting attendance, we encourage you to get in touch with your child’s pastoral team or the school so we can work together to find the right support.
Our aim is to help every student attend regularly and feel confident and supported in school.
Reporting an Absence
If your child is unwell or unable to attend, please let us know before 8:50am on each day of absence.
Call: 01283 247823 (option 1)
Email: [email protected]
Please include:
- Student name
- Personal Tutor
- Reason for absence
IRIS absence calls
If no reason for absence is received, our IRIS system will contact you from: 0114 303 4042 (we recommend saving this number in your contacts).
The call will ask whether you are aware of the absence and prompt you to provide a reason. If you are not aware of the absence, the call will be transferred to the school.
Attendance information, including marks and codes, can be viewed through My Child at School (MCAS). Further details about how these codes are applied can be found below.
Punctuality
Arriving on time helps students feel prepared and ready to learn, and ensures that lessons begin smoothly for all.
Morning registration opens at 8:50am. Students arriving after registration finishes at 9:10am receive a ‘U’ code, which counts as an unauthorised absence.
Afternoon registration opens at 1:40pm (1:25pm on Wednesdays), with late arrivals after 1:50pm (1:35pm Wednesdays) also receiving a ‘U’ code.
Students are also expected to move promptly between lessons so that learning can begin without disruption. Arriving late to lessons reduces learning time and can affect the progress of both the individual student and others in the class. Being punctual is an important part of developing independence and responsibility as a learner.
Term-Time Leave
Any absence from school has a significant impact on learning and progress. Term‑time leave will not normally be authorised, and families who choose to take holidays during term time should expect a fine in line with Local Authority guidance.
For full details, please refer to our Attendance Policy: