Our Lady's Catholic High School
At Our Lady’s Catholic High School, we have high expectations regarding attendance and punctuality. We believe that excellent attendance at school plays a vital role in supporting learning, progress, and ultimately giving our pupils the best opportunities in life. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all pupils feel valued and included within our school community.
PROCEDURES & INFORMATION
Outline of common procedures and expectations:
Pupils should arrive on site by 8:45am, and registration starts promptly at 8:55am. Any pupil arriving after this time must sign in at reception. If your child is absent at registration and no explanation has been provided, a text message will be sent to notify you of their absence. This may be followed up with a phone call or a home visit if necessary. Absence without explanation will be recorded as unauthorised.
What do I do if my child is absent?
If your child is unable to attend school, it is essential that you contact us before 8:55am— on each day that they are absent. You can report an absence by phone call, or by emailing the attendance team. If your child is unwell for more than one day, please continue to update us daily. For absences lasting four days or longer, we may request medical evidence, and a home visit may be carried out.
Attendance Phone Number: 01772 326 904
Attendance Email: attendance@olchs.lancs.sch.uk
What is acceptable attendance?
We expect all pupils to strive for 100% attendance, with anything above 97% regarded as excellent. If a pupil’s attendance (whether authorised or unauthorised) drops below 95%, the school will begin an intervention process. When attendance falls below 90%, the school’s attendance team will become actively involved. In cases of persistent absence, we will work closely with our Local Authority School Attendance Support Workers, and other external agencies. If attendance does not improve despite this support, it may ultimately lead to legal action being taken against parents.
Leave during Term-Time
Please note that term-time leave can only be approved in exceptional circumstances. Any request for leave must be made in writing and authorised by the Headteacher. Requests for holidays, pilgrimages, or visits to family members abroad may not be approved. Any leave taken without the school’s consent will be recorded as unauthorised and may result in legal action, such as a penalty notice.
If you believe there are exceptional or compassionate reasons for your request, please complete a Leave of Absence Form for the school to consider.
