The government measures our school on attendance; the national expected attendance level is 96%; pupils who fall below 90% are classed as Persistent Absent.  Our school, while acknowledging that each family’s circumstances are different, is dedicated to the education of all our pupils and believes regular attendance through the year is essential to every child’s success and fulfilment.

If your child is absent you should contact the school before 8:30am to leave a reason for absence.  This can be done by either leaving a voicemail message (01202 512241, Option 1), or sending an e-mail to absence@st-marks.bournemouth.sch.uk. You should contact the school on each day that your child is absent.

Our school nurse is always willing to offer advice if you have concerns about your child’s health, she holds regular ‘drop in’ sessions at the school, dates of which are detailed on our newsletters.  If you have any other concerns or wish to discuss your child’s attendance, please contact Miss Egan in the school office via parentmail or on 01202 512241.

There's a clear link between poor attendance and lower academic achievement; DfE research found that for pupils at the end of KS2, as the level of overall absence increases the proportion of pupils achieving the expected levels in reading and mathematics tests decreases. This link between overall absence and attainment is evident whether we look at increasing overall absence rates or increasing number of weeks missed.

In accordance with BCP School Attendance Code of Conduct April 2019, when a leave of absence is taken and the school has not authorised the absence, the school may request that the Local Authority issues a Penalty Notice under Section 23 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.  The fine for each parent is £60 if paid within 28 days and £120 if paid within 42 days.  You may be prosecuted under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 if a Penalty Notice is issued but not paid. 

Thank you for your support.