Our Commitment to Excellent Attendance

At Upton Hall School FCJ, we are committed to supporting every pupil to achieve their full potential. High attendance is vital to this goal. We expect all pupils to aim for 97% attendance or higher, which equates to no more than five days' absence across the school year.

We are proud to be part of the FCJ community, where each person is valued and where education is a shared privilege and responsibility. Good attendance underpins success academically, socially and emotionally, and we work closely with families to foster a culture of regular attendance and punctuality.

Why Attendance Matters

Missing school can significantly impact a pupil’s progress. Research by the Department for Education shows that even small amounts of absence can reduce achievement at both GCSE and A Level.

Every day counts and even being late to school affects learning. Pupils who attend school regularly:

• Achieve better academic results.

• Develop stronger friendships and social skills.

• Build better routines and resilience.

• Are more likely to go on to further education, employment or training.

We also know that poor school attendance is a safeguarding issue. Being in school ensures pupils are safe, seen and supported.

Legal Responsibilities

Parents and carers are legally responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly and on time. This is outlined in the Education Act 1996 and reinforced by the DfE's 2024 guidance.

Where attendance drops below expectations without authorised reason, parents may be subject to enforcement measures, including:

• Penalty Notices (from 10 unauthorised sessions within 10 weeks)

• Court proceedings for repeated poor attendance

• Education Supervision Orders or other interventions

There is no automatic right for term-time holidays, and leave can only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Our Approach at Upton Hall

Our school’s approach is grounded in relationships, early intervention and working in partnership with families. Key features of our practice include:

• Daily attendance monitoring

• Absence calls and follow-up

• Pastoral and academic support to remove barriers to attendance

• Recognition and celebration of excellent attendance

• Clear communication with parents and carers

• Support through Early Help and external services where appropriate

Our Senior Attendance Champion is Mr P Jones, who oversees the strategic leadership of attendance across the school.

Reporting Absences

If your daughter is unwell or unable to attend school, please contact us before 8:30am on the first day of absence:

0151 641 8133
attendance@uptonhall.org
Sixth Form: sixthform@uptonhall.org

Include your child’s full name and form group in all messages. Please do not report absences via other email addresses or through teachers.

If your daughter is absent for more than five days, we may require medical evidence and if your daughter is on an Attendance Support Plan, medical evidence will be required to authorise any illness-related absence.

Medical Appointments and Planned Absence

Medical appointments should be made outside of school hours wherever possible. If unavoidable, pupils should return to school promptly after the appointment.

Planned absences (e.g. hospital appointments) should be made in writing to the attendance email address or submitted via the school office, alongside evidence of the appointment.

Absence for holidays, family events or leisure activities are not usually authorised, however each case is considered individually by the Headmistress. To request term-time leave, please complete this form.

Support for Pupils and Families

We recognise that there may be genuine and complex reasons for persistent absence. If your daughter is struggling with anxiety, illness or other barriers, we urge you to contact us early so we can provide support. This might include:

• Pastoral support and mentoring

• Adjusted timetables

• SEND support

• Access to mental health services or Early Help

• Signposting to resources like Zillo Wirral or Family Toolbox

When Pupils Leave Upton Hall

If your daughter is leaving Upton Hall (other than at the end of Year 11 or Sixth Form), please inform us in writing with full details of their new school and address. This helps us to ensure all pupils remain safe and accounted for.

Working Together

Improving attendance is a joint responsibility between families and school. We are here to listen, support and work with you.

Together, we can ensure that every pupil at Upton Hall receives the full-time education they deserve.