Attendance

At Colchester Academy, we have a dedicated attendance team who can support families in ensuring that their children have excellent attendance. This means above 97%, equivalent to less than five days of absence per year.

Education is important in helping your child to fulfil their potential.  During school time we believe your child should be in class with their teachers and peers enjoying all the benefits that brings.

Being in school every day is crucial to your child’s achievement, wellbeing, and their wider development. Research suggests that being in school regularly helps to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Make it easier to connect with friends and teachers.
• Improve learning and confidence in learning.

Evidence also shows that children with the best attendance gain the best results in GCSEs.

1 day off a month =  2 weeks missed at school each year

17 days off school each year = 1 Grade lower at GCSE 

We are passionate about ensuring that every student feels happy and supported in school and so if you would like any support please do not hesitate to contact us via: attendance@colchesteracademy.org.uk  or by calling: 01206 878872

Designated Attendance Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs H Sim

Family Liaison Officer – Mrs C Poulter

Attendance Officers – Mrs I Essounaini, Mrs A Michelow, Mrs L Wicks.

Reporting an absence

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the absence line on 01206 878872 before 8.30am on each day of your child’s absence.

Please clearly state your child’s name, tutor group and the actual reason for absence. Alternatively you can email attendance@colchesteracademy.org.uk

Late Arrivals

School starts at 8.40am. If your child arrives after this time they will be recorded as late. If your child arrives 30 mins after our start time, they will be recorded as an unauthorised morning absence (U Code).

Medical Appointments

 All routine medical appointments should be made outside of school hours or in the school holidays. Please advise the school in advance of essential appointments by email attendance@colchesteracademy.org.uk  You will need to include the medical evidence (eg. appointment invite or hospital letter) for all appointments in school hours. Your child should attend school before, after, or both, depending on the time of the appointment.

Term time holidays

We do not authorise term time holidays because of the impact they have on students' attainment. All unauthorised term time holidays will be referred to the Local Authority for issue of a fixed penalty notice. This constitutes a fine per parent per child.

We require all parents to complete a ‘Leave of Absence’ application form and attach a letter for any extended leave of absence from school. This will be considered by the Principal and the Attendance Officer will advise the parent / carer accordingly. The Leave of Absence form and accompanying letter should be emailed to attendance@colchesteracademy.org.uk  

It can be downloaded here.

Support

We have an attendance drop in every Wednesday from 3.00pm – 3.45pm if you would like to discuss any issues regarding attendance.

Please see the graphic below which highlights so clearly the lessons that are lost through non-attendance. Students learn so much in every lesson that even missing only 5 days over an academic year will mean your child will miss 33 lessons.

Similarly you can see below the impact of punctuality on the lessons missed by students. Students who are 15 minutes late a day can lose 50 lessons of learning over an academic year!