The link between excellent attendance and academic success is well known. It is for these reasons that all students’ records of attendance and punctuality will be monitored throughout their time at the Sixth Form. This information is often requested by prospective universities and employers as an indication of a candidate’s level of commitment, motivation and self-discipline. It is also a matter of professional etiquette and respect.
Attending every timetabled lesson in all subjects and all supporting private study sessions is fully expected. Student levels of attendance and punctuality is something that should be of concern to all of us. Students, teachers, tutors, parents and carers have a responsibility to care about and take attendance and punctuality seriously. Our aim is for every student to achieve at least 96% attendance, with the expectation that they strive for 100%. Please click here to view a quick guide for parents and carers on how to report absences, lateness and appointments – as well as what is expected from you and your young person.
If the student is going to be absent, please contact us by 9am on each day of the absence. You can report an absence by:
Telephone: 020 7281 3536
Email: 6fcoordinator@highgatehill.cola.org.uk
In person: Visit the school reception
Mobile phone: Visit the M.C.A.S app
Students are expected to arrive at the sixth form by 8.15am. The morning register closes at 9am. Students arriving after this time must sign in at reception. Students arriving after 9am will be marked with a U-code, which counts as an unauthorised absence.
Sanctions for lateness:
1st late in a week: 30 minute sanction
2nd late in a week: 1 hour sanction
3rd late in a week: 1.30hrs sanction
We strongly encourage parents and carers to book all appointments outside of school hours wherever possible. If an appointment during school hours is unavoidable:
- An email with Medical evidence must be attached and sent to 6fcoordinator@highgatehill.cola.org.uk (e.g. appointment letter, card, text or email confirmation) two weeks before an appointment
- Students are expected to attend school before and/or after the appointment whenever possible
Term-time holidays are not authorised. Requests for leave must be made in writing to the Principal at least one month in advance, and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
- Attend school on time, every day
- Arrive in full uniform, properly equipped, and ready to learn
- Avoid missing school for non-essential reasons (e.g. birthdays, shopping, holidays)
- Speak to a trusted adult at school if they are experiencing any difficulties
We expect all parents and carers to:
- Contact the school immediately to report absence
- Maintain routines at home that support good attendance and punctuality
- Work in partnership with the school to remove any barriers to attendance
- Avoid booking non-urgent appointments during the school day
- Provide a minimum of two emergency contact numbers
Please find a guide linked here.
We follow national guidance on school attendance:
- Continued poor attendance may result in referral to the Local Authority and further action
- The school may carry out home visits, arrange Early Help support, or implement attendance contracts
If there are any issues affecting your young person’s ability to attend school regularly, please contact us. We are here to support you.
Attendance Officer: Miss Teka-Wallace
Senior Attendance Champion: Mr Ali
Education Welfare Officer: Mr S. Nedd
Head of Sixth Form: Ms F Deane