Attendance and Wellbeing

At The Henry Cort Community College, we believe that good attendance is one of the most important factors in helping students achieve success, develop confidence and enjoy a positive college experience.

Every lesson matters. Regular attendance helps students build strong relationships, maintain progress in their learning and fully participate in the opportunities available to them. When students attend regularly, they are more likely to achieve their potential both academically and personally.

We understand that there will be occasions when students are unable to attend college, and we are here to support families when this happens.

Reporting Absence

Unplanned Absence (Illness)

If your young person is unable to attend college due to illness or another unexpected reason, please notify us via EduLink before 8:30am on the first day of absence.

Keeping us informed helps ensure that we can account for all students and fulfil our safeguarding responsibilities.

Planned Absence

If you are aware in advance that your young person will need to be absent from college, please complete a Planned Absence Request Form and either:

Return a paper copy to Reception, or
Email the completed form to attendance@henrycort.org

Requests will be considered in line with government attendance guidance and college policies.

Term-Time Holidays

Parents and carers should be aware that schools are unable to authorise family holidays during term time, except in exceptional circumstances.

Unauthorised holidays may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued in accordance with Hampshire County Council procedures.

Unexplained Absence

If your young person is absent and we have not received a reason for their absence, you will receive a text message from the college by 10:30am requesting further information.

This forms part of our safeguarding procedures and helps us ensure that every student is safe and accounted for.

Attendance Support

Our Attendance Team works closely with students and families to promote positive attendance and address any barriers that may be affecting a student's ability to attend regularly.

If attendance concerns arise, our Attendance Officers will work with students, parents and carers to identify support strategies and help improve attendance wherever possible.

We recognise that attendance issues can sometimes be linked to wellbeing, health or other challenges, and we are committed to working in partnership with families to provide appropriate support.

Wellbeing and Attendance

Good attendance and positive wellbeing go hand in hand.

If your young person is experiencing difficulties that are affecting their attendance, please let us know as early as possible. By working together, we can explore the support available and help your child feel confident, happy and successful at college.

Useful Information and Guidance

The links below provide additional support and advice for families:

Working Together

Strong attendance is built through partnership between home and college. By working together, we can ensure that every student benefits from the full range of learning, enrichment and support opportunities available at The Henry Cort Community College.

Review Information

Last reviewed: September 2026
Next review due: September 2027

The Henry Cort Community College