Attendance and Punctuality

At Bryntirion Comprehensive School, we place great emphasis on the importance of attending school every day. Regular and punctual attendance is not only a legal requirement but also a vital part of ensuring your child receives the best possible education and opportunities for success.

We understand that some absences are unavoidable due to illness or exceptional circumstances. However, other than in these cases, your child should be attending school every day. In the first two weeks of this academic year, whole school attendance has dropped by 1.1% compared to last year, and we are keen to work together to improve this.

We would like to remind you of our expectations regarding attendance and punctuality, as outlined in our whole school attendance policy:

• Reporting Absences: Parents and carers should contact the school via ClassCharts or by telephone by 8.45am if their child is unable to attend.
• Medical Appointments: Please provide a copy of any hospital appointment letter to the school prior to the appointment date. Where possible, dental and GP appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours to minimise disruption to learning.
• Term-Time Holidays: We are seeing a high number of holidays being taken during term time, which significantly impacts pupil progress. Leave of absence requests should be completed 4 weeks prior to a scheduled holiday.
• Attendance Below 90%: Pupils with attendance below this threshold will be placed on an action plan to support their return to full attendance. This may include a referral to the Attendance and Wellbeing Service. If families do not engage with the plan, court action may be taken.
• Punctuality: Morning registration begins at 8.40am. Pupils arriving between 8.40am and 9.10am will be marked as late (L code). Arrivals after 9.10am will be marked as unauthorised absence (U code), unless a valid reason is provided.
• Parents and carers are reminded that the local authority may issue a fixed penalty notice for persistent lateness after the close of the register. 

We believe that regular attendance is a key factor in student achievement. Every day missed is a lost opportunity for learning and development. Please take a moment to read our full attendance policy on our school website: https://www.bryntirioncs.bridgend.sch.uk

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards of attendance and punctuality.