Attendance

Good attendance to school is intrinsically linked to high attainment and positive wellbeing. Therefore, at St Albans Girls' School we expect students to attend school every day.

Regular attendance at school is essential to ensure uninterrupted progress and to enable children to fulfil their potential. It is also everyone's business. There is a clear link between good attendance and students achieving best possible outcomes for themselves. Excellent attendance and punctuality are key to a student’s success. The attendance target for all students is for figures to be at least in line with national averages including vulnerable groups throughout the year. Our attendance target is 96%. The school takes guidance from the DfE document - Working Together to Improve School Attendance (August 2024)

Research shows that children who attend school regularly are happier learners than those who miss school on a regular basis. Children who miss school often fall behind with their studies and can become socially isolated. We monitor attendance very carefully, and you will be contacted if your child's attendance falls below target. We want all STAGS' students to be happy about attending school and if you feel that your child is becoming reluctant to attend school, then please do not hesitate to contact their Director of Learning or Student Support Officer.

More information can be found in our Attendance Policy here.

Details on our school day can be found here.

Late Arrivals/ Leaving Early

If a student arrives late to school (after 8.35am) they must sign in at Student Reception before going to lessons. Students arriving after 8:35am but before 8.55am will be given an L code late mark. Students arriving after 8.55am will be given a U code meaning absence is unauthorised. Any students leaving before the end of the school day for any reason must sign out at Student Reception before they leave.

Students may only leave early if the Attendance Officer has been advised by a parent/ carer by email absence@stags.aetrust.uk via Edulink notification or telephone 01727 853134 option 1 for attendance.

You may find the following websites useful for information and guidance: 

Childrens Commissioner.gov.uk - Back into school resources for parents

NHS Live-well - Is my child too ill for school

Every Mind Matters - supporting others/children's mental health

Childrens Commissioner gov.uk - Guide for parents on school attendance

Attendance Matters: Parent/Carer Guide