There is strong evidence to show the link between high attendance and high achievement and so, as part of our wish to support all students in achieving their potential, we expect that every student should aim for 100% attendance.

By law, there are 190 days in a school year which equates to 950 lessons at The Birley Academy. This leaves 175 days for holidays. The potential effect of any absence is illustrated below:

Over a single year:

If a student’s attendance is..	They will miss..	Which is..
95%	9 ½ days	47 ½ lessons
90%	19 days	95 lessons
85%	28.5 days	142 lessons
80%	38 days	190 lessons
75%	47.5 days	237 lessons
65%	66.5 days	332 ½ lessons

Through their 5 years of secondary education:

If a student’s attendance is..	...they will miss this many days...	...which is this many lessons
95%	47½	237
90%	95	475
85%	142½	712
80%	190	950
75%	237½	1187

Absence through illness

Where a child is to be absent from school through illness we ask that parents/carers contact the academy on 0114 2392531 before 9am as this allows all details to be correct and up to date. This should be repeated on any subsequent days of absence through illness (and to ensure that your child is not believed to be missing).

Medical appointments

We ask that, wherever possible, medical appointments be made outside of the normal school day. Where this is truly unavoidable the appointment card or letter should be given at reception when returning to the academy. Reception will then inform the Attendance Officer.

Leave of absence and holidays

Holidays in term time are not allowed, thus any absence due to holidays will be unauthorised. The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 and the accompanying guidance make it clear parents/carers should not take children out of school for holidays in term time

In any circumstances parents/carers should make a request for leave of absence requesting a Notification of Term Time Leave form from the Attendance Office but should not presume that permission will be granted.

All unauthorised absences

Where a student is absent from school without authorisation (including all of the above) the school will investigate further via our Education Welfare Officers and, where it is shown that unauthorised absence or holiday has been taken, parents/carers may be subject to a penalty notice of £60 per parent/carer in the first instance.

Your support

Please support us in helping your child to achieve their potential by ensuring your child attends the academy every day and avoiding absences for minor illnesses and ailments and other reasons.

Ensure your child arrives on time. The academy day begins at 8.40am and all students are expected to be on-site by 8.35am.