Attendance
A message from the Headteacher
One of the most powerful ways our young people can become the best version of themselves is simply by being here. Attendance is not just about turning up to lessons – it’s about being part of something bigger every single day. When students are here, they learn more, grow more, and connect more deeply with their peers and teachers. They discover their strengths, take part in opportunities, and build the confidence that only comes from shared experiences.
Covid did have an impact - we told you to stay away from school and that you would learn ok at home - and we are suffering the consequences - there has been a change in attitude towards attendance at school. Our data shows it. If you are in school 95% or more of the time - you will get better outcomes. That’s not the whole story - it’s not just lessons and academic content - it is connections, support from peers, learning how to work in a community.
We also know that children cannot do this alone. Parents and carers play a vital role in making attendance a priority, in helping students get into school every day ready to learn. When school and families work together, the message is clear – every day matters, and every child matters.
At PCS, we want every student to feel they belong, and belonging starts with being present.
How to inform PCS of your Child's absence
● Ring the absence line on 01273 575832
● Email the attendance team: pcs-attendance@swale.at
● Repeat for every day of absence
Please let the Attendance Office know by 8.30am on every day that your child is off school. If your child has been issued with a Doctor's Note detailing the agreed length of absence, you can forward this to the Attendance Office instead of calling each day.
You can telephone the Absence Line on 01273 575832. There is an answer phone for out-of-hours messages. You will need to leave the name of the student, their year group and the reason for absence.
Attendance Newsletters
Newsletter Edition 1 - September 2025
Withdrawal From Learning
Withdrawal From Learning Form
Penalty Notice Fines Information
Penalty Notice Fines FAQ
Responsibilities
| As a parent, I can help by: |
As a school, We will help by: |
As a student, I can help by: |
|---|---|---|
| Contacting the school when my child will be absent by 8.30am. |
Following up on every absence and ensuring that no absence goes un-noted. |
Attending school and lessons every day, on time, to give you the very best chance of success. |
| Ensuring my child arrives at school by 8:30am each morning, | Acknowledging and rewarding good and improved attendance and punctuality. |
Being an active member of the school community. |
| Supporting my child to attend as often as possible by reminding them of the importance of school attendance. | Reminding parents and students about the importance of attendance and how it is measured against attainment. |
Letting my Year Team know if I am struggling to come to school. |
| Booking medical appointments (opticians, doctors, dentist) outside of school hours. |
Speaking with parents if we are concerned and helping to remove barriers to attending school. |
|
| Not booking family holidays or events during term time. |
Good punctuality is an excellent life-skill and we expect all our students to arrive in school before 8:30am. For any student who arrives after 8:40am, we operate a ‘late gate’ and students will receive a sanction.
Arriving just 5 minutes late every day equals missing 3 days of education over the whole year. Arriving half an hour late every day is equivalent to 18 days of absence.
Strategies for Promoting Attendance
Our school utilises various practical approaches to encourage regular attendance. We focus on clear communication of expectations to students, parents, and guardians. We also recognise and reward excellent attendance and punctuality, collaborate with parents and guardians to address any underlying issues impacting attendance, and provide early intervention and targeted support.
Resources and Support
We offer a wide range of resources and support to students, parents, and staff. These include guidance counselling services to address academic, social, or emotional concerns; pastoral and academic support programmes tailored to individual needs; health and wellness resources to promote overall well-being.
Additional information
Working together to improve school attendance - Statutory Guidance
You can find information on school attendance provided by East Sussex County Council:
East Sussex County Council’s Code of Conduct for the provision of administering Penalty Notices for non-school attendance: