High levels of attendance are an absolute expectation in the college and students are expected to attend 100% of their agreed programmes of study.
This includes all of the following:
- A Level / GCSE lessons
- Study Library lessons
- Group and Individual Tutorial Meetings
- Exams – Internal and External
If a student is unable to attend college for any reason, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and the student to provide information and evidence about any absences. If absence falls below 96% without a clear medical reason and/or procedures are not being followed, a meeting will be held with the Head of Year to discuss attendance moving forward.
The procedures for absence are listed below:
Sickness
- If your child is too unwell to come to college, you must contact the college by emailing attendance@dsfc.org.uk or through the Arbor app. This must be done as early as possible and must be done for each day the student is absent.
- If the absence if prolonged or repeated, it is essential that the student discuss this with their Head of Year.
Planned Authorised Absence
- At least 2 days before the absence, you must complete this online Planned Absence Form. Without this form being completed, the absence will be unathorised.
- You can apply for the following authorised absences:
1. Higher Education Interview
2. Job Interview (excluding part-time jobs)
3. Funeral
4. Medical Appointments that cannot be arranged outside of college hours
5. University/College Open Days
6. Court Appearance/Jury Duty
7. Driving Test
- Evidence for the above (other than funerals) must be uploaded with this form before the absence can be authorised.
- We will contacthome once the decision to authorise or unauthorise your absence request has been made. This decision will be made by the Director of Sixth Form.
Holidays – Unauthorised Absence
- Any holidays taken during term time are unauthorised. Holidays cannot be taken during exam time.