Absence Procedure

If your child is going to be absent please advise the school office as soon as possible, no later than 9am on the day of absence.  You are required to report your child's absence on a daily basis unless told otherwise by the attendance officer.

You can advise the school office by leaving a message on the dedicated pupil absence line 01932 785396 option 1 or email attendance@st-ignatius.surrey.sch.uk.  If the absence is a medical appointment, proof will be required.

IMPORTANT NEWS: ATTENDANCE

Unfortunately, due to the rise of families taking unauthorised leave in term time, we have made the decision to enforce fixed penalty notices. We ask you to read the information below carefully.

Please be aware that The Education (Pupil Registration)(England) (Amendment)  Regulations 2013 state that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if leave is granted.

In accordance with the above Regulations, requests for leave of absence are treated sympathetically, but only in exceptional circumstances can they be approved.  The policy of the Government to which this school has agreed, states that parents who take their child out of school for five days or more during term time, without the authority of the Headteacher, will each be liable to receive a penalty notice. Penalty Notices will be issued by the Local Authority. 

The penalty is £60 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days of receipt of the notice. If the penalty is not paid in full by the end of the 28-day period the Local Authority must prosecute the recipient for failing to ensure regular school attendance under section 444 Education Act 1996.

Please be aware that each parent is liable to receive a Penalty Notice for each child who incurs unauthorised absences, for example, if there are two parents and one child, each parent will receive one Penalty Notice.

If there are two parents and two children incurring unauthorised absences, each parent will receive two Penalty Notices, which in this case would amount to £120 each if paid within 21 days.