Excellent attendance and punctuality at Highgate Hill
At City of London Academy Highgate Hill, we believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are essential for success. Our aim is for every pupil to achieve at least 96% attendance, with the expectation that they strive for 100%. This page provides a quick guide for parents and carers on how to report absences, lateness, and appointments — as well as what is expected from you and your child.
If your child is going to be absent from school, please contact us by 9am on each day of the absence. You can report an absence by:
- Telephone: 020 7281 3536
- Email: attendance@highgatehill.cola.org.uk
- In person: Visit the school reception
If no reason is provided within five school days, the absence will be marked as unauthorised.
Pupils are expected to arrive at school by 8.15am. The morning register closes at 9am.
- Pupils arriving after 8:25am must sign in at reception.
- Pupils arriving after 9:00am will be marked with a U-code, which counts as an unauthorised absence.
- Sanctions for lateness:
- 1st late in a week: 30-minute lunchtime detention
- 2nd late in a week: 1-hour after-school detention
- 3rd late in a week: 2-hour after-school detention
- More than 3 lates: 1 day in the Reflection room.
We strongly encourage parents and carers to book all appointments outside of school hours wherever possible. If an appointment during school hours is unavoidable:
- A Daily Absence Request Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours in advance
- Medical evidence must be attached (e.g. appointment letter, card, text or email confirmation)
- Pupils are expected to attend school before and/or after the appointment whenever possible
Term-time holidays are not authorised. Requests for leave must be made in writing to the Principal at least one month in advance, and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances.
We expect all pupils to:
- Attend school on time, every day
- Arrive in full uniform, properly equipped, and ready to learn
- Avoid missing school for non-essential reasons (e.g. birthdays, shopping, holidays)
- Speak to a trusted adult at school if they are experiencing any difficulties
We expect all parents and carers to:
- Contact the school immediately to report absence
- Maintain routines at home that support good attendance and punctuality
- Work in partnership with the school to remove any barriers to attendance
- Avoid booking non-urgent appointments during the school day
- Provide a minimum of two emergency contact numbers
We follow national guidance on school attendance:
- Five days (10 sessions) of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period may lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £160 per parent, per child (£80 if paid within 21 days)
- Continued poor attendance may result in referral to the Local Authority and further action
- The school may carry out home visits, arrange Early Help support, or implement attendance contracts
Need support?
If there are any issues affecting your child’s ability to attend school regularly, please contact us. We are here to support you.
- Attendance Officer: Miss N. Teka-Wallace
- Senior Attendance Champion: Mr F. Ali
- Education Welfare Officer: Mr S. Nedd