Regular attendance and punctuality matter. Good attendance supports learning, wellbeing and progress. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve their full potential, make strong friendships and feel confident about their future.
The Academy expects that all our students will:
- Attend every day that the school is open unless a reason acceptable to the school is given, and we can authorise the absence.
- Arrive on time – Students are expected to be on site by 8.30am in preparation for Meet Greet and Pray at 8.40am. The register will remain open for 30 minutes at the start of each session.
How to Report an Absence
Please tell us as soon as possible on the first day your child is absent and on every subsequent day of illness. Call the Academy on 01242 711200 – choose option 1 to report an absence, email attendance@asachelt.org or report through the MCAS App.
Medical Appointments
Wherever possible, please try to arrange routine appointments outside school hours. If an appointment during the day is unavoidable, bring your child to school before/after the appointment so they miss the minimum time.
Holidays and Planned Absence
We ask families to avoid any holidays during term time as these will not be authorised, unless the Principal is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances.
If a parent wants to take a child out of school for a holiday, they must fill in a ‘Leave of Absence Form’ informing us of the date of any proposed absence.
The Principal will only authorise planned absence in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances are defined as one-off events that are unavoidable and beyond the control of the child, parent, or carer. If a parent takes a child on an unauthorised holiday in term time, this will be referred to the LA and a penalty notice may be issued to each parent for each child without warning.
When Attendance Causes Concern
We monitor attendance closely to ensure every student receives the support they need. When a student’s attendance begins to fall, we work in partnership with families through our Attendance Escalation System to identify any barriers and agree on next steps.
Further details can be found in our Attendance Policy, DfE guidance, and Gloucestershire County Council Code of Conduct.
Working Together
We know that excellent attendance doesn’t just happen; it’s built on good communication and strong relationships. Our Attendance and Welfare team are here to support families where attendance or punctuality is affected by health, well-being or personal circumstances.
If you’re worried about your child’s attendance or need advice, please contact us on 01242 711200 or email attendance@asachelt.org. Together, we can help your child make the most of every school day.
