Regular and punctual attendance is of paramount importance in ensuring that all pupils and students at Grove Park have full access to the curriculum.  Valuable learning time is lost when pupils and students are absent or late.

Our school has a duty to promote attendance and equally, parents and carers have a duty to make sure that their pupils and students attend regularly.  We understand that working in partnership with parents and carers is the best way to ensure the highest level of attendance possible.

Did you know that across the year there are just 190 school days? That means there are already 175 days set aside for weekends, holidays, family visits and rewarding days out. We believe every school day counts to give your child the greatest opportunity of attaining a good education and to support a happy and healthy future.

With 175 days already marked out as ‘non-school-days’, you should have an exceptional reason to withdraw your child from school. The following are not considered to be exceptional circumstances and are likely to be rejected and unauthorised:

· Trips to visit family/friends

· Your child’s birthday

· Cheaper family holidays

· Tickets to sports/culture events

100% is recognised as an expected level of school attendance. Five days of school equates to 25 hours of learning, catching up with extra work out of school is unrealistic.

The vast majority of headteachers do not authorise any absence in term time, in fact, many schools refused 100% of requests last year. We strongly recommend you discuss your absence request with the school in the first instance.

Think twice about whether you want to proceed. Your child has the right to a full-time education and the opportunities that this can bring. We hope that you will work in partnership with us to make sure that your child attends school every day, allowing them access to the education they deserve.

If you do decide to apply for an authorised absence, please use the Withdrawal Form below.