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Attendance and Absence
Woking High School is committed, in partnership with parents, students and governors to sustaining a school which serves the community and of which the community is proud.
All students benefit from regular school attendance and in order for our students to gain the greatest benefit from their education. It is vital that they attend regularly and every student should be in school, on time, every day that the school is open unless the reason for the absence is exceptional. To this end the school will do all we can to encourage parents/carers to ensure that the children in their care achieve maximum possible attendance and that any problems that prevent full attendance are identified and acted on promptly.
Reporting Absence
Woking High School has the following procedure for reporting a child’s absence from school:
If your child is going to be absent and it is unplanned you must notify us of the reason for the absence on the first day by 8.30am, or as soon as practically possible, through the parent ClassCharts App or if this is not possible via email studentabsence@wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk. Please only call the school as a last resort.
Reporting through the ClassCharts App is easy and can be achieved following the steps below:
• Open ClassCharts App.
• Click on the child you are reporting absent (if multiple children at school).
• Click on Report Absence found in green tab at the top of the page. (See image below)
• Enter date of absence.
• Provide reason for absence. If it is for a medical / dental appointment, please record time and location of appointment.
• Click Submit, including uploading any evidence where required. (A photo of a letter is acceptable).
Please notify us in advance of any medical appointments and upload or email any appointment cards/letters.
Leave of Absence in Exceptional Circumstances
Please complete the form to request leave of absence.
Penalty Notices to Address Poor Attendance at School
A Penalty Notice may be issued as an alternative to the prosecution of a parent/carer for their child's unauthorised absence from school (absence without the agreement of the school or not covered by a medical note) and will be used by Surrey County Council in the following circumstances:
Students identified by Police and Inclusion Officers (formerly Education Welfare Officers) engaged on Truancy Patrols and who have incurred unauthorised absences.
Leave of absence in term time (5 days or 10 sessions or more).
Finally, the issuing of a Penalty Notice will also be considered where it is judged that a parent/carer is failing to ensure their child's regular school attendance.
If you have any questions of require further support to achieve an improvement in your child’s attendance, please contact your child’s Head of Year.
Advice and support is also available from Surrey Inclusion Services by contacting your local Education Office via 01483 518130.
Updated Attendance Information from Surrey County Council - June 2024
Attendance Matters
A student’s attendance figure has a direct correlation to both their overall wellbeing and academic success. Attendance percentages need to be in the high nineties to be considered average to good. Consider the following examples: An attendance record of 90% might seem acceptable, but it is equal to one day missed per fortnight. If this continues from Year 7 to Year 11 a total of six months education will be lost. Students who attend school more than 96% do better in their exams and make much greater progress from their starting point.
At Woking High School we monitor the attendance of our students on a regular basis and use positive praise and encouragement to keep levels high. If the attendance of any student becomes a concern, you can expect the response below outlined in our traffic light system.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Letter from Surrey CC
