Dear Parents,
As we move into the final weeks before the start of the external GCSE examinations, I would like to take this
opportunity to highlight just how important it is that Year 11 pupils are in school every day from now on.
This period is one of the most crucial points in a pupil’s secondary education. Lessons are now highly focused on
consolidation, exam preparation, revision techniques and addressing specific gaps in knowledge. Every lesson
counts, and missing even a single day of school can result in lost learning time that is very difficult to catch up on
independently.
Being absent from school at this stage means missing:
- Final explanations and clarification of key exam topics
- Opportunities to practise exam questions with teacher guidance
- Targeted support based on recent assessments and mock exams
- Structured revision that is carefully planned to maximise pupil success
While we recognise that illness cannot always be avoided, we strongly encourage pupils and families to ensure that
time off school is kept to an absolute minimum. Where pupils attend consistently, they are far better prepared,
more confident, and better able to manage the demands and pressures of the exam period.
Good attendance also helps pupils maintain routine, organisation and motivation — all of which are essential as
exams approach. Turning up every day is one of the simplest but most effective ways pupils can improve their
outcomes and give themselves the best possible chance of success.
We ask for your continued support in reinforcing the message that attendance now really does matter. Our staff
remain fully committed to supporting every Year 11 pupil, and being present in school is key to enabling us to do this
effectively. Prom and shirt signing events will soon be coming up and absences could contribute towards pupils
missing these events.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation at this important time. If there are any concerns or issues
affecting attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school so that we can offer support.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs C Turner
Deputy Headteacher