At Carshalton Boys Sports College, we value every opportunity to work with our students and support them on their journey to success. Excellent attendance is a crucial part of this, and we cannot overstate its importance — not only for academic progress, but also for students' overall wellbeing and personal development.

Our carefully planned curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills step by step. Each lesson is a vital piece of the puzzle, and when a student misses time in school, it creates gaps that can make learning more difficult than it needs to be. High attendance ensures that students stay on track, feel confident in their learning, and are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

We are committed to helping our students achieve the best possible outcomes — both in their qualifications and in the life skills they’ll need beyond school. By attending every day, they give themselves the best chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, setting a strong foundation for success in their post-16 journey and beyond.

Our dedicated Attendance and Pastoral teams are always available to offer support and guidance. If you have any concerns regarding attendance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we are here to help.

Reporting Absence

We expect our students to attend every school day punctually and ready for the day ahead. Students will be coded as late (L) if they are not in their tutor base at 08:30am. 

In the event that a student is unable to attend, you will no longer be able to leave a voicemail message. Please DO NOT call the admin team or reception to report any form of student absence. Only report absences via email or MCAS.

To report a student absent from school for any reason, please send a message via the My Child At School app (MCAS). If you do not have access to  this, email attendance@carshaltonboys.org. This includes messages regarding:

• A student who is going to be absent from school (please include the reason for the absence)

• A student has an appointment either on the day or in the future

• Is going to be delayed in coming into school

• Needs to leave early for an appointment (medical etc.)

 

Planned Absence

We kindly ask that all non-emergency medical appointments are scheduled during school holidays or outside of school hours wherever possible. If an appointment during the school day is unavoidable, medical evidence must be provided — such as an appointment card or letter — and the school must be notified at least 24 hours in advance.

Unless advised otherwise by a medical professional, it is expected that students attend school before and/or after their appointment to minimise lost learning time.

 

Unauthorised Term Time Absence

From September 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) has introduced significant changes to its guidance on term-time absences. As a result, Carshalton Boys Sports College is no longer able to authorise any holidays during term time. 

In the unlikely event that a holiday is taken during term time, this can be communicated to the Headteacher by completing a Leave of Absence Request Form, which you can collect from the school office and must be returned at least 14 days prior to the first day of absence. The family will be liable for a penalty notice in line with local authority procedures. We strongly encourage families to plan holidays during the designated school holiday periods to ensure students do not miss vital learning time.

 

Penalty Notice

First Offence:

The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised term-time absence or irregular attendance, the amount will be £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. Reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days. 

Second Offence:

Within 3 years of the first offence. The second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised term-time absence or irregular attendance, the amount will be £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. No reduction for early payment.

Third Offence Onwards:

Within 3 years of the first offence. The third time an offence is committed for unauthorised term time absence or irregular attendance, a Penalty Notice will not be issued, and the case will be presented straight to the Magistrates’ Court. Fines can be around £2500 per parent, per child. Cases found to be guilty in Magistrates’ Court can show as a criminal record and also on the parent’s future DBS certificates due to ‘failure to safeguard a child’s education’.