Attendance

Why Attendance Matters

At King Arthur’s, we know that good attendance is key to helping your child thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Regular attendance builds strong learning habits, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the school community. That’s why we ask all students to aim for at least 95% attendance—equivalent to no more than 9 days off over the school year.

If a student’s attendance drops below 90%, this is classed as Persistent Absence and can seriously affect their progress and wellbeing. In such cases, we’ll invite parents and carers to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss how we can work together to improve attendance. Support may also be available through our school nurse or Parent and Family Support Advisor (PFSA).

To report your child as absent, please contact our Attendance Officer, Christabel Gale, on: 01963 32368 and press 1 for attendance. Alternatively email: attendance@kingarthurs.org.uk.

Absence can also be logged on Arbor Parent Portal/App. Arbor – How to log an Absence

Please note, that in order to safeguard our students, we require contact from a parent or carer each day that a child is absent from school.

Minimising Time Away from School

To help your child reach their full potential, we ask that, wherever possible, medical or dental appointments are scheduled outside of school hours. We can only authorise up to half a day’s absence for appointments—and only when supported by official evidence, such as a confirmation letter or text.

If your child is feeling slightly unwell but could manage the day with some support, they are welcome to attend school. Students may carry one dose of pain relief (such as paracetamol) with them, or a larger supply can be handed into the school office, where staff can administer it as needed. A completed medication consent form is required—available here.

Medication Letter (short period of time))

Holidays in term time

Holidays in term time have a significant impact on students progress, achievement and social development and will not be authorised except in exceptional circumstances. Families who do take their child out from school during term time for a holiday may be served a penalty notice by Somerset Local Authority. We would ask all families to book holidays during school holiday times to avoid this. Requests for term time absence should be made using this form and marked for the attention of the headteacher.

Request for term time leave