Attendance Information
Attendance at The Blandford School
This guide highlights the importance of regular school attendance and how it supports your child’s success. Strong attendance not only improves academic achievement but also helps students build friendships, develop confidence, and fully engage in school life.
Students with attendance of 95% or higher are twice as likely to achieve Grade 5 or above at GCSE compared to those with lower attendance.*
When students miss school regularly, they can quickly fall behind in their learning and may miss out on valuable opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.
The School Day
- 8:40am – Students arrive and go to Zones
- 8:45am – Tutor Registration / Assembly
- 9:15am – Period 1
- 10:15am – Period 2
- 11:35am – Period 3
- 12:35pm – Period 4
- 1:35pm – Lunch
- 2:15pm – Afternoon Registration & Period 5
- 3:20pm – End of School Day
Reporting an Absence
If your child is absent, please inform the school before 9:00am:
- 📞 01258 451121 (Option 1)
- 📧 office@blandfordschool.org.uk
Please keep us updated each day of absence unless a longer absence has already been explained.
Punctuality
Arriving on time is essential. It helps students start the day positively, stay organised, and avoid missing key learning and important information.
Late arrivals disrupt both your child’s learning and that of others. Persistent lateness will result in a lunchtime catch-up with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy.
Unauthorised Absence
The school will not authorise absence for reasons such as:
- Minor illnesses (e.g. colds)
- Tiredness
- Shopping trips
- Birthdays
- Looking after family members
- Waiting at home for deliveries or visitors
- Transport issues (unless related to Dorset Council transport)
Holidays during term time are rarely authorised and may result in a financial penalty in line with Dorset Council policy.
If Attendance Becomes a Concern
Heads of Year closely monitor attendance. If concerns arise:
- We will contact you to discuss the situation
- Further concerns may involve the County Inclusion Lead
- You may be invited to a school panel meeting
Failure to ensure regular attendance could result in legal action and a fine of up to £1,000.
Illness and Ongoing Health Needs
If your child is unwell:
- Contact the school on the first day of absence
- Keep us informed each day of continued absence
If your child has ongoing health concerns, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support as early as possible.
Why Attendance Matters
Even small amounts of absence can have a significant impact:
- 90% attendance = half a day missed every week
- 1 day off every two weeks can seriously affect progress
Students with poor attendance may:
- Struggle to keep up with work
- Miss key parts of lessons
- Experience friendship difficulties
- Feel increased anxiety
Attendance Explained
| Attendance | Days Absent | Weeks Missed | Lessons Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95% | 9.5 | 1.9 | 47.5 |
| 92% | 15.2 | 3.0 | 76 |
| 85% | 28.5 | 5.7 | 142.5 |
| 80% | 38 | 7.6 | 190 |
| 75% | 47.5 | 9.5 | 237.5 |
| 70% | 57 | 11.4 | 285 |
| 65% | 66.5 | 13.3 | 332.5 |
Punctuality Explained
| Minutes Late Per Day | Learning Lost Per Year (Days) |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 3.2 days |
| 10 minutes | 6.5 days |
| 15 minutes | 9.5 days |
| 20 minutes | 12.5 days |
| 30 minutes | 19 days |
Rewards for Good Attendance
Students with strong attendance benefit from:
- Consistent progress and secure learning
- Strong friendships and connections
- Less need for catch-up work
- Opportunities to take part in trips and events
Students with 100% attendance will receive additional recognition.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
- Encourage regular attendance and punctuality
- Avoid term-time holidays wherever possible
- Arrange medical appointments outside school hours
- Contact the school if your child is unhappy—we are here to help
- Ensure your child understands the importance of attending school
- Keep your contact details up to date
If your child is reluctant to attend, please bring them to Reception—we will support them.
Staying in Touch
All students are registered electronically each lesson. If your child is absent and we have not been informed, we will contact you by text or phone.
Strong attendance is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can ensure every student at The Blandford School has the best possible opportunity to succeed.
*Department for Education Attendance Conference, March 2025