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Attendance
All children benefit from regular and punctual school attendance, which is essential to every child’s academic, social and personal development. Being absent from school means a lost learning opportunity. Like you, we want our children to achieve their full potential; therefore, we open our gates at 8:35am for a 8.40am start. The school day finishes at 3:20pm.
Ranikhet Academy's Expectations
|
Attendance |
Description |
Approximate Days Lost Per Year |
Approximate Weeks Lost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
|
99-100% |
Excellent |
0-4 days |
Less than 1 week |
|
97-99% |
Expected |
5-9 days |
1-2 weeks |
|
96% |
Less than expected |
10-13 days |
2-3 weeks |
|
90-95% |
Unsatisfactory |
14-18 days |
3-4 weeks |
|
Below 90% |
Persistent absence |
More than 19 days |
More than 4 weeks |
Punctuality: It is not only days that matter; every minute counts. Arriving on time (by 8.40am) means children can walk into class with their friends. This increases their sense of belonging and creates a calm start to the day. Specialist teaching such as reading begins promptly after registration. Your child deserves the very best so it is paramount they are there.
Absence: If you know your child is going to be absent from school for a dental/medical appointment please inform the school office and bring a copy of the appointment card. Wherever possible, appointments should be made outside school hours unless it is an emergency.
Sickness: If your child is going to be off sick, please call the school office 0118 9375520 before 9:30am on the first day of absence. You will be asked the reason for the absence and when you expect your child to return.
Term Time Holidays: Reading Local Authority guidance is that no holidays should be taken during term-time. As such, the school will not authorise any holidays during term time. If there are exceptional circumstances that require your child to be absent from school for a short period of time, please put your request in writing to the Head Teacher, at least two weeks prior.
Attendance and Punctuality - The Role of Parents/Carers Leaflet
Understanding Attendance Levels
Regular attendance is essential for ensuring every child makes strong academic and personal progress. This chart explains what different attendance percentages mean in real terms, including how many school days and lessons may be missed. Even small dips in attendance can quickly add up to lost learning time.
Each attendance band shows the level of support or intervention the school provides. As attendance falls below national expectations, we work closely with families to understand any challenges and put support in place. Our aim is always early help, open communication, and ensuring every pupil has the best chance to succeed.
What Counts as Good Attendance?
Good attendance means being in school at least 96% of the time — roughly no more than seven days off across the school year. This level of attendance ensures pupils have the continuity they need to learn, develop, build friendships, and grow in confidence.
The infographic highlights how quickly days off accumulate and how they impact learning. Missing just a handful of days can shift a child from “good” attendance to “concerning,” reducing the time they have to become the very best version of themselves. Every day in school truly counts.
The Importance of Regular, Consistent Attendance
Striving for 100% attendance gives children the very best start in every subject. Being in school consistently builds positive routines, develops life skills, and helps pupils build resilience as they move through their education.
While we understand that illness and unavoidable absences do happen, we encourage families to aim high whenever possible. Every full week of attendance strengthens learning habits and provides children with the structure and stability they need to thrive.
How Attendance Affects Achievement
There is a clear link between regular attendance and academic success. Children who attend school 96% of the time or more are four times more likely to achieve strong GCSE outcomes, including in English and Maths. Good attendance gives pupils consistent access to high-quality teaching, classroom discussion, and practice time.
Poor attendance, particularly over long periods, can significantly reduce life chances and limit future opportunities. The message is simple: the greater the attendance, the greater the potential for achievement. Every school day opens new doors.