Dudley Academies Trust is committed to ensuring excellent attendance in order to maximise the enjoyment, achievement and safety of all pupils. Regular attendance and good punctuality are crucial if pupils are to take full advantage of their education and achieve their potential.

All pupils, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to an efficient, full-time education which is suitable for their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. We know that a fulfilling, challenging education requires a supportive, caring environment that embraces diversity and difference.

There is a strong statistical link between good school attendance and pupil achievement. It is proven that attainment is connected to good school attendance and missing school could have an impact on a pupil's education. Dudley Academies Trust strives to support all pupils on their educational journey, ensuring and celebrating success and achievement. Excellent attendance at school is crucial if pupils are to reach their full potential. If they are ‘Dreaming Big’, they need to attend school on time every single day.

Dudley Academies Trust works closely with our families, pupils and outside support agencies in order to promote attendance and safeguard our pupils. Regular attendance and punctuality is a priority for staff and our Trust Committee.

It is a statutory government requirement for all pupils from year 7 to year 11 to attend educational provision regularly and on time. The aim is for all our pupils to achieve above 96% attendance wherever possible.

If a pupil’s attendance falls below 90%, they will be deemed a Persistent Absentee and the Local Authority may be notified. The Academy reviews attendance on a daily basis and intervention will be offered to prevent the pupil becoming a Persistent Absentee.
It is essential that contact is made with the Academy as early as possible for every day of absence to ensure the safeguarding of your child.

How can I help my child attend school?

We believe that good attendance begins at home.

Below are some ways that you can support your child to attend school every day.  

• Take an interest in their learning. Know their timetable and support them with getting their equipment ready each evening.
• Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of unnecessary absence from school.
• Encourage your child to avoid unnecessary absence, for example, by taking time off due to minor illnesses that could be managed in school.
• Do not be tempted to ‘cover up’ for your child if they are taking time off school for a reason that you do not agree with – be honest with us and talk to us about what support we may be able to provide.
• Avoid taking holidays/leave of absence during term time.
• Arrange medical appointments outside of school hours. If this is not possible, please support their learning by ensuring they attend school before and after the appointment.
• Contact the Attendance Officer if your child is experiencing issues that are preventing regular attendance.