Attendance
Attendance & Punctuality
At Lostock High School we want all our students to reach their full potential. Regular school attendance ensures students have the best chances of future success, both academically and throughout their life. At Lostock High School we aim for all our pupils to achieve 100% attendance.
We all want the best for our students. Research consistently shows that regular attendance is closely linked to strong academic performance, positive social development, and long-term success. According to the Department for Education (DfE):
- Pupils with 95% or higher attendance are more likely to achieve strong GCSE results.
- Missing just 10% of the school year (equivalent to one day every two weeks) can significantly lower performance in maths, reading, and writing.
- Persistent absence (below 90%) is linked to lower exam results and reduced chances of continuing education or securing employment.
When students miss school, they miss essential learning opportunities, leading to knowledge gaps that can be difficult to recover from. Even missing one day of school can have a negative impact. Working together, we can ensure that students have excellent attendance, punctuality and will succeed both academically and in personal growth.
View your percentage attendance on Arbor and compare it to our table:
Reporting an absence
If your child is too unwell to attend school, you should contact the school before 8.25 am if possible. Please ensure you contact the school each day your child is absent.
You can contact the school by:
- Calling on 0161 864 5700 option 1
- Emailing the school: attendance@lostock.trafford.sch.uk
- Sending a message via The Arbor App
Parents and Carers should contact the Attendance Officer in the first instance to report absence.
Parents and Carers should contact school every day their child is absent unless medical evidence has been provided for a specific number of days.
Click here for our Attendance policy.
Parental/Carer influence on attendance
Parents and Carers have a vital influence ensuring excellent attendance. Here are some ideas which can help achieve success:
- Set a routine: Ensure they have an appropriate bedtime routine and encourage a consistent morning routine so they can arrive punctually and are properly equipped.
- Promote a positive attitude: Help them view school as an important and enjoyable part of their daily life by making time to encourage and show interest in schoolwork, friendships etc.
- Communicate with Lostock: If they are struggling with any issues affecting their attendance, reach out to us. Share with us any concerns as we have a large support network of pastoral, teaching, attendance support and external agencies to offer support to get back on track.
- Plan appointments wisely: Schedule medical and other appointments outside school hours whenever possible.
- Be mindful of term-time holidays: Even a few days of missed learning can have a lasting impact.
Persistent absence
Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states that parents must ensure that children of compulsory school age receive efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude to any special educational needs they may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Lostock High School recognises that poor attendance can be an indication of difficulties in a young person’s life. This may be related to problems at home and or in school. Parents and Carers should make school aware of any difficulties or changes in circumstances that may affect their attendance and or behaviour. Lostock High School can then direct families to additional support which can be offered. The support offered from Lostock is student centred and planned with parents, carers and pupils. We offer a range of ‘in-house’ support methods so we can overcome any barriers to attendance. We also liaise with external agencies where necessary, including the Trafford Attendance Team.
Where parents and carers fail or refuse to engage with the support offered and continued persistence absence occurs, Lostock High School will consider legal action in line with Trafford Council’s Penalty Notice Procedures.
