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Attendance

Regular attendance is vital for your child’s success, helping them to achieve their best and develop important life skills.

We believe that regular attendance is essential for students to achieve their best and benefit fully from their education. Attending school every day helps students build strong relationships, develop key life skills and prepare for future success.

Absences can be reported by ringing the School or College (01245 491 492) or via the dedicated pupil absence e-mail address (columbus.absence@thebridgetrust.academy).

School attendance and the law

Parents and carers are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school regularly and punctually. Failure to do so could result in legal action by the local authority.

Under the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006, only the school can authorise an absence – not parents or carers.

Time off for holidays during term time is not a legal right. Any request for a leave of absence must be made in advance by completing an absence form and submitting it to the school office. If a holiday is taken without permission, the absence will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’ and could result in legal action.

You can read the government advice here: https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence

Reporting an absence

If your child is unable to attend school, please notify the school as soon as possible
Day 1: Contact the school to report the absence and provide the reason and expected return date.

Day 2 and beyond: Keep the school informed of your child’s progress and update the expected return date where possible. Absences can be reported by phone or via the school’s dedicated absence email.

First day calling policy
If we haven’t heard from you by a set time (usually 10:30 am), a member of the school’s administration team will contact you to confirm the reason for absence.
Why is attendance important?

Regular school attendance is essential because:

  • It is a legal requirement for children aged 5 to 16
  • It supports academic success and future opportunities
  • Schools have a safeguarding responsibility for all students
  • It helps develop social skills and strong relationships
  • Schools have a safeguarding responsibility for all students
  • It ensures students gain the qualifications they need for their next steps in education or employment
Attendance expectations
  • Students are expected to attend school every day
  • Punctuality is important—students must arrive on time for both morning and afternoon registration
  • The minimum target for attendance is 98%
  • Parents should schedule appointments and holidays outside of term time wherever possible
How families can support good attendance
  • Encourage good sleep and morning routines
  • Be firm about attending school unless your child is genuinely unwell
  • Communicate with the school about any barriers to attendance
  • Seek support early if you have any concerns
Requesting a leave of absence

If you need to request a leave of absence during term time, you must complete a leave of absence form and return it to the school office. Please note that email requests cannot be accepted.

Morning registration
  • Morning registration takes place at 08:45 Students arriving after this time may receive an unauthorised late code, which will affect their attendance record
  • Leaving school early without permission will negatively impact attendance