Start the school year strong with good attendance

As families across the city mark the beginning of a new school year, we’re encouraging parents and carers to ensure their child is attending school as much as possible.  

Attending school regularly helps children and young people build friendships, develop confidence, learn new skills, discover their talents, access support, and make the most of the opportunities that education provides.  

Regular attendance is one of the strongest foundations for success in learning, wellbeing and future life chances.  

Working together 

We want every child and young person in the city to feel safe, welcomed and a sense of belonging at school. When children feel connected, valued and supported, they are more likely to attend regularly, participate fully and achieve their potential.  

Across Brighton & Hove, schools, the council and partner organisations are working together to remove barriers to attendance and support every child to achieve and thrive. 

Avoidable absence 

If your child feels unwell or anxious, it can be difficult to know whether to send them to school. The NHS has helpful advice on how to decide if your child is too ill for school. 

Schools can only grant holidays or absences during term time in exceptional circumstances. It’s important that you speak to your child’s school ahead of any planned absence to discuss your individual circumstances.  

Find out more about school absence and when your child can and can't miss school. 

Impact of missing school 

Missing 2 days of school a month means missing nearly 3 weeks during a school year, while being 15 minutes late every day means 2 weeks of learning lost in an academic year. 

Pupils with more than 95% attendance achieve at least one grade higher in GCSE results – and even 90% attendance means losing 19 days of education in a school year.  

These are all missed opportunities to learn and thrive. 

Support is available 

Support is available for pupils with concerns affecting their school attendance, and for parents and carers who are struggling to motivate their child to attend school. 

Every school in Brighton & Hove has staff trained to help families with attendance. To find out more about the help that’s available, contact your school in the first instance.  

For further information about support and guidance for parents, carers and families if their child is struggling with school attendance, visit our school attendance webpage. 

School is more than schoolwork 

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “September can be a busy time for parents and carers, with new classes, activities and routines to keep up with.  

“But school is about more than schoolwork – it's a space for children and young people to make friends, build their confidence and develop vital life skills through sports, clubs, trips and more.  

“Improving attendance is a shared responsibility between families, schools, the council and partner organisations across the city. We all have a role to play and by working together we can help every young person in Brighton & Hove achieve their potential. 

“Your child’s future starts at school, so don’t suffer in silence if you’re struggling with attendance – reach out to school staff to find out how they can help.” 

More information 

You can read government guidance on: 

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