There is a clear link to be drawn between school achievement and attendance. If a child does not come to school regularly then it is almost inevitable that they will take fewer qualifications, skills and experiences into adulthood and the workplace. As a school we are duty-bound to chase up absence and to champion the value of education.
Our Summer 2025 results make the link between school attendance and outcomes very clear:
- With 96% attendance or above, each student gained 1.3 grades above their expected grade in each subject on average. Almost 90% of these students made better progress than their peers nationally.
- With attendance between 90-95%, each student gained 1 whole grade above their expected grade in each subject on average. About 80% of these students made better progress than their peers nationally.
- Where attendance was 89% or below, each student gained no extra grades above their expected grade in each subject on average. Nearly half of these students made less progress than their peers nationally.
And this pattern essentially replicates outcomes from the previous two years (2023 and 2024).
Young people often say that the biggest factor that helps them attend school is having a trusted relationship with a teacher or member of staff – something assemblies the week before half-term directly focused on. The school continues to work towards our Wellbeing Award, developed by National Children’s Bureau.
Naturally, illness can happen and some absence is unavoidable. But it is no coincidence that The Friary’s exam results are well above national averages – and our attendance levels are well above national averages, too.
We are supporting Staffordshire County Council’s new attendance campaign called I’m Here.
Working with Staffordshire students, SCC has co-produced two short, powerful campaign videos which capture their voices and experiences.
Watch the videos here:
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
A dedicated campaign webpage has also been developed for parents, carers, students, and professionals, offering advice on starting conversations about mental health and links to local support. You can find this at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/imhere
