From September, a fixed penalty notice will be issued by the local authority if a pupil reaches 10 sessions (morning or afternoon registration mark) of unauthorised absence in a rolling period of 10 school weeks.    

This can be for any combination of unauthorised absence, for example…  

John is late to school after 09.10 six times in September.  In October, he goes on holiday with his family for the last two days before the half-term break.  His parent/carer will be issued a fixed penalty notice and receive an £80 fine.   

Sarah is absent from school without a valid reason on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  The following week, she is absent on Friday without a valid reason.  The next week, she is late after 09.10 on Wednesday and Thursday. Her parent/carer will be issued a fixed penalty notice and receive a £80 fine.’

24th June: Attendance Matters.

From September, a fixed penalty notice will be issued by the local authority if a pupil reaches 10 sessions (morning or afternoon registration mark) of unauthorised absence in a rolling period of 10 school weeks.    

This can be for any combination of unauthorised absence, for example…  

John is late to school after 09.10 six times in September.  In October, he goes on holiday with his family for the last two days before the half-term break.  His parent/carer will be issued a fixed penalty notice and receive an £80 fine.   

Sarah is absent from school without a valid reason on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  The following week, she is absent on Friday without a valid reason.  The next week, she is late after 09.10 on Wednesday and Thursday. Her parent/carer will be issued a fixed penalty notice and receive a £80 fine.

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17^th June: Attendance Matters.

Absence from school damages a child’s education.  Unauthorised absence from school can lead to legal intervention by the local authority.  So far, over 100 families have been fined a total of almost £6,000 in fixed penalty notices.  

Currently, 58 families are currently being prosecuted by the local authority, which could result in a fine of up to £1000 each.  

Consistent attendance ensures that pupils stay on track with the curriculum and do not miss out on important lessons and activities.  This engagement is vital for their academic progress and helps develop essential skills for the future. 

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18th March

As we approach the end of this half term, we want to remind you that we’re in the final week of our exciting “Eggcellent Attendance” challenge. 

The countdown has begun, with just 5 days left!

We’ve witnessed incredible dedication from our pupils over the past weeks, and we want to encourage  them to give their best for this final stretch.

 Achieving perfect attendance not only supports their learning journey but also puts them in the running for a fantastic reward at the end of the term.

Parents, your continued support has been invaluable, and we’re grateful for the positive atmosphere around our school. Let’s finish this “Eggcellent Attendance” challenge on a high note!

Here’s to a fantastic final week!

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11th March

As we head into the second week of our “Eggcellent Attendance” theme, we want to extend a big ‘Well Done!’ to all the amazing pupils who have been consistently attending school on time.

Your children’s commitment to their education is truly commendable! 

As we enter this phase, we’d like to remind you that there are only 10 days of full attendance left to qualify for the exciting reward at the end of the term. The finish line is in sight, and we’re confident that our students will continue to rise to the occasion.

Thank you for your continuous support, and here’s to another week of success in our “Eggcellent Attendance” journey!

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4th March

We’re thrilled to introduce our new attendance theme for the remainder of this half term – “Eggcellent Attendance”! 

Starting today, every student who attends school regularly and is not late will have a crackin’ chance of winning an eggciting prize on the final day of this half term! 

Encourage your child to be present every day and on time to maximize their chances of taking home a special prize. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we can’t wait to see every student shine bright with their “Eggcellent Attendance”!

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29th February

We are delighted to share some fantastic news regarding our students’ commitment to attendance at school. Since the beginning of the spring term, we have witnessed a remarkable improvement in the attendance of 60 pupils across various year groups.

Each of these 60 pupils will be receiving a well-deserved congratulations letter in the post. We are immensely proud of their dedication and commitment to their education.

A special shoutout goes to form group 10T2 for achieving the best attendance for the past week with 93.8%. Your collective effort and commitment to attending classes regularly have not gone unnoticed – well done! 

Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Form 7B2 for achieving the highest attendance among all forms-96.5%. Your consistent presence contributes significantly to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

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26th February

We would like to thank all parents for supporting their child in arriving to school  by 8:30am each day.

However, we have several pupils arriving after 8:30am and missing line up and form time. As a result, pupils miss out on important notices and form activities to help improve their progress in school. 

Punctuality is not just a virtue within the school setting; it is a habit that carries immense significance in the wider world and future employment. 

Professionalism: Punctuality is a hallmark of professionalism. In the workplace, arriving on time demonstrates a strong work ethic and respect for colleagues and employers. It sets a positive tone for the day and reflects well on an individual’s reliability.

Time Management: Punctual individuals tend to be more effective at managing their time. This skill becomes increasingly valuable as students transition into adulthood, balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.

Dependability: Punctuality builds trust. Whether in academic collaborations or professional projects, being dependable by showing up on time fosters a sense of reliability and trust among peers and colleagues.

Encourage your child to view punctuality as a habit that extends beyond the school gates. Discuss the importance of being on time in various aspects of life and how it contributes to personal and professional success.

By instilling the value of punctuality now, we are equipping our pupils with a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives. 

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22nd February

We would like to welcome back all our pupils after the half term break and thank all parents for supporting your child in making every day count, by promoting the importance of attendance.

Each week pupils with 100% attendance will receive an attendance postcard as recognition of their commitment to school and 5 positive achievement points. Pupils with 100% attendance from the previous term will also be selected to attend a reward activity during this term. Further information for applicable pupils will be sent out in the coming weeks.

We’re aware medical and dental appointments are unavoidable. However, we encourage all parents to make appointments out of school hours where possible. Where this is not possible, parents should get the school’s agreement in advance and the pupil should be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary for the appointment.

Pastoral staff will require confirmation of appointments to ensure your child’s absence is coded correctly. If parents do not provide this information and request to remove their child from school, their absence will be unauthorised. Parents are required to collect their child for any medical and dental appointment.

If you have any further questions please contact the school at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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19th February

As we approach the upcoming mock examinations, we would like to emphasize the crucial role that regular school attendance plays in your child’s academic success. Mock exams are a vital part of their preparation for future assessments, and attending school during this period is instrumental in ensuring they get the most out of this valuable experience.

Pupils who did not achieve grade 9 to 4 in English and maths GCSEs in 2019 had an overall absence rate of 8.8% over the key stage, compared with 5.2% among pupils who achieved a grade 4 and 3.7% among pupils who achieved grade 9 to 5 in both English and maths.

Generally, the higher the percentage of sessions missed across the key stage at KS4, the lower the level of attainment at the end of the key stage.

We understand that the exam period can be a stressful time for pupils. To support them in managing any stress or anxiety they may be experiencing, our dedicated team of class teachers, form tutors, and Heads of House are here to help. They are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support tailored to your child’s individual needs.

For further support we recommend the following links

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress/

https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/feelings-and-experiences/exam-stress/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/

If you have any specific concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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5th February

In our ongoing efforts to ensure that every student receives a full-time education, the school has conducted a total of 550 home visits to families where we have been unable to establish contact or receive a valid reason for their child’s absence. These home visits were initiated to provide support, address concerns, and ultimately improve attendance.

We understand that various factors may contribute to a student’s absence, and our goal is to work collaboratively with parents and guardians to overcome any barriers that may exist. It is crucial for us to emphasise that our primary focus is the well-being and educational progress of your child.

Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to take legal action in 8 cases. Court prosecution is not a step we take lightly, but it becomes necessary when all other avenues have been exhausted, and a child’s education is at risk. Additionally, 20 families have been referred to the local authority due to persistent absence concerns.

We want to assure you that our intention is not punitive but rather to ensure that every child can thrive academically. We believe that regular school attendance is a critical factor in achieving this goal.

To continue our collaborative efforts and provide the necessary support, we encourage families to reach out to us at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk. Our dedicated attendance team is available to address any concerns you may have, offer assistance, and work together to remove any barriers affecting your child’s attendance.

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18th January

At Bloxwich Academy, we understand that each family faces unique challenges, and we want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Your child’s well-being and education are of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that every student feels supported and can thrive in our school community.

If you find yourselves facing difficulties related to your child’s attendance, please know that you are not alone. We recognise that various factors can contribute to attendance issues, and we are here to help overcome any barriers together.

Our school is equipped with a team of qualified and caring staff members who specialise in supporting students and families facing challenges related to attendance. These dedicated individuals have the expertise to address a range of concerns and provide personalised assistance to help your child succeed.

We encourage you to take a proactive step towards resolving any attendance-related concerns by reaching out to your child’s Head of House. The HOH is here to assist you and can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance. By working collaboratively, we can identify strategies to improve attendance and create a positive and nurturing environment for your child. Our commitment to your child’s well-being extends beyond the classroom, and we are dedicated to working together with you to create the best possible learning experience.

To schedule a meeting with the HOH, please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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9th January

We hope this message find you well and that you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. As we embark on a new year and fresh start, we are delighted to welcome back our pupils.

As we commence this half term, we would like to emphasise the importance of good attendance. Regular attendance plays a crucial role in a pupils’ academic success and overall well-being. It sets the foundation for a successful learning experience and helps pupils to build a sense of routine and responsibility.

Consistent attendance also ensures that pupils stay on track with the curriculum and do not miss out on important lessons and activities. By being present in class, pupils are better positioned to actively participate in discussions, ask questions and seek clarification on challenging topics. This engagement is vital for their academic progress and helps develop essential skills for the future.

Our dedicated staff are here to support both you and your child in navigating any obstacles that may affect attendance.

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29th November

We are thrilled to share that school attendance has significantly improved compared to last year, thanks to your unwavering support. Persistence absence continues to decrease, showcasing the positive impact of our collective efforts.

Your commitment to your child’s education has played a pivotal role in this achievement. We sincerely appreciate your dedication to fostering a culture of regular attendance.

As we celebrate this progress, we want to assure you that our commitment to supporting students and families remains a priority. If you have any concerns or require further assistance, our doors are always open.

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23rd November

Encouraging Full Week Attendance for Student Success

We would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of your child attending school on Fridays and completing a full week of classes.

Consistent attendance is a key factor in academic success, and we have observed that some pupils are not completing full weeks, which can impact their overall attainment. Attending school regularly ensures that students benefit from continuous learning, engage in important classroom discussions, and maintain a routine that supports their academic development.

To motivate and recognise our students for their commitment to attending school regularly, we are implementing a new attendance reward system. Starting now, students will be rewarded on a weekly basis for completing the full week of classes. Additionally, we are excited to announce that students will have the opportunity to work towards attendance rewards that include family vouchers.

We believe that by incentivising regular attendance, we can create a positive environment that fosters academic growth and instills a sense of responsibility in our students. Your support in encouraging your child to attend school consistently will contribute greatly to their overall success.
Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing a culture of regular attendance and commitment to learning. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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22nd November

Legal Implications of School Attendance 📚

We hope this message finds you well. Our school has recently conducted 339 home visits to ensure the welfare and academic progress of our pupils. We understand that various challenges can impact attendance, but it’s crucial to be aware of the legal consequences.

As of now, £1800 in penalty notices have been issued, and 14 families are facing prosecution due to persistent non-attendance. The law mandates regular school attendance, and failing to comply can result in severe consequences for both parents and students.

We urge you to prioritise your child’s education and work collaboratively with the school to overcome any barriers to attendance. Communication is key, and we are here to support you. Let’s ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and build a bright future.

Please contact the school at attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk for further support.

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17th November 2023

Punctuality Matters

We have noticed that some parents, due to various commitments, rely on their older children to drop off younger siblings at school. While we understand the challenges that come with busy schedules, we’ve observed that this practice is causing some children to arrive late.

Prompt arrivals are crucial for a smooth start to the school day, ensuring that every student can maximize their learning opportunities. We kindly request parents who currently depend on older siblings for drop-offs to consider alternative arrangements or coordinate with fellow parents to ensure that all children reach school on time.

Your cooperation in addressing this matter will greatly contribute to maintaining a punctual and organised school environment. If you have any concerns or if you need assistance in finding alternative solutions, please feel free to reach out and contact us via attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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14th November 2023

Building attendance together

We would like to thank all the parents in attendance at the most recent parent advisory forum last week. Your engagement and insights are crucial in shaping the path forward for our school community. We appreciate your commitment and collaboration and look forward to our next meeting.

Bloxwich Academy would like to continue to work with families and pupils to support your child’s attendance. For support, please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk 

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10th November 2023

Celebrating Perfect Attendance!

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the remarkable achievement of several of our dedicated pupils who have achieved a great milestone: **100% Attendance**! Their commitment to learning and unwavering dedication has been truly inspiring throughout this half term. By attending every single day of school, these students have demonstrated exceptional perseverance and a true passion for education.

Their accomplishment reflects not only their hard work but also the support and encouragement provided by all of you, their parents. Your commitment to their education has played a vital role in this success.

Let’s continue to encourage and motivate all pupils to strive for excellence in both attendance and academic pursuits.

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23rd October 2023

Parent Forum – Attendance success

We would like to thank all parents who attended the Parent Forum last Thursday evening, where we informally discussed attendance- it was a great success!

The input from parents sparked some insightful conversations around attendance to which we will now look to build on, to extend our support to you and your child. This was the first opportunity this year for parents to collaborate in progressing attendance within the school. We look forward to the next one.

We will be sending invitations out next half term to allow more parents to have their say. We welcome the opportunity for you to get involved and continue this informal conversation over a hot drink and cake.

If you are interested in joining us at the next forum, please raise your interest through the attendance email: attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk

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17th October 2023

Absence due to mock exams and assessments

Working alongside parents and pupils to support your child’s attendance is a key priority at Bloxwich Academy. We encourage all parents/carers to raise any concerns they have with their child attending school, to allow us to support and address any barriers they may face.

We know that parents worry about their children’s mental health. Parents and carers must remember that mild anxiety, whilst sometimes a difficult emotion, is normal. In many instances, attendance at school may serve to help with the underlying issue more than being away from school, which might exacerbate it.

Rather than keeping your child away from school during this time we would much rather you encourage your child to attend school and you let us know about your worries so that we can work together on supporting your child.

It is important to us that all children feel safe and supported when attending school and we are keen to work with you to ensure they feel this way when attending school.

We would love to meet with you to discuss avenues for support. Please contact attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk to make an appointment or arrange a phone call.

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3rd October 2023

Excellent Attendance Reaps Rewards

Well done to the vast majority of pupils who have attended school every day this year so far; Year 7 are certainly leading the way and Year 11 are a close second (especially important with the forthcoming examinations on the horizon).

After talking with a number of pupils over the last few weeks, we are about to launch a new package of rewards for great attendance, alongside also rewarding pupils with improved attendance – watch this space!

We know that pupils fall behind their friends and classmates when they miss school. At Bloxwich Academy, we want the amount of missed education to be reduced as much as possible. We believe that our community is stronger together, with all of our pupils in school, on time, every day. We are building life skills, life-long friendships and preparing your child for future success.

Please email attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk if there is anything we can do to support you or your child.

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27th September 2023

Outstanding Attendance underpins Academic Success

 During the summer, we were delighted to report another set of excellent results for our Year 11 pupils, which saw a significant number of our pupils achieve fantastic grades.  Our analysis has shown that:

We know that parents have a significant effect and we would really appreciate your help and support ensuring that your child comes to school every day so that they can get the best possible outcomes.  We want to work with you to achieve this –please email attendance@bloxwichacademy.co.uk if there is anything we can do to support you or your child.

Further NHS Guidance can be found here: Is my child too ill for school?

Please see the flowchart explaining the process for the new National Framework for issuing penalty notices.

On Friday 7^th June, 14 pupils went down to Wembley to see the Euros friendly England v Iceland. With lots of snacks and treats along the way the pupils were raring to go. Although the result wasn’t what we wanted, the loss didn’t dishearten anybody and pupils had a great time supporting their national team. COME ON ENGLAND!

Our Beauty Therapy program has been very successful over the last term and we are proud to see some of our girls flourish in this environment. Over recent weeks they have been looking at the application of tanning and the method of Hopi Ear Candling. They cover extensive links to industry and the working environment to support for future aspirations. Well done girls.

Pupils in Year 8 are having the exciting opportunity to learn first aid skills. This is part of the Personal Development curriculum to ensure pupils are able to remain safe in the community and support others.

Pupils are learning how to make a clear and efficient call to emergency services if necessary and the concepts of basic first aid. Pupils have been shown how to deal with common injuries and, head injuries and how to do CPR. Pupils have also been shown the purpose of defibrillators and when they are needed.

We would like to thank Miss Handley from Dame Elizabeth Cadbury for supporting our pupils with these sessions.

Embarking on a journey beyond borders can be a transformative experience for students, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and traditions. Recently, a group of 35 adventurous pupils from across Matrix Academy Trust had the incredible opportunity to explore the city of Stockholm, Sweden through the Turing Scheme. This government-funded scheme enables pupils to experience other cultures. 

Our first activity was a visit to the Paradox Musuem, which offers an engaging exploration of optical illusions. Visitors are invited to pose for some great pictures as part of these illusions, before walking to the Avicii Experience, where our pupils enjoyed DJing alongside the groundbreaking DJ and producer, experiencing his music in a unique and immersive setting. 

Later that afternoon, our students had the opportunity to visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming Old Town, exploring landmarks such as the Royal Armouries. They also delved into the world of Nobel laureates at the Nobel Prize Museum, learning about the importance of science, literature, and peace in shaping our world.  

On our second day, we visited the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. As you step into the museum, you’re greeted by the Vasa ship, a preserved warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later. Our pupils also enjoyed exploring Lego versions of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. 

Following this, our students had the pleasure of exploring the iconic music of Sweden. At the ABBA museum, they were immersed in ABBA’s iconic costumes and memorabilia, exploring interactive exhibits and singing and dancing along to timeless hits.  

On day three, we paid a visit to the Tekniska Museum of science, technology, and innovation. Here the pupils enjoyed interactive exhibits, followed by lunch at Max Burgers – Sweden’s (significantly better) answer to McDonalds.  

In the afternoon, we took a scenic boat tour around Stockholm’s archipelago, where we got to see the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. And in the afternoon, the competitive natures of staff and pupils kicked in with an outdoor escape room adventure around the historic town. Divided into teams, pupils navigated their teams and their teacher through the narrow cobblestone streets, solving clues and unravelling mysteries, where only one of our groups solved the clues to find the final code! 

On day four, our pupils had the opportunity to visit Töjnaskolan, a Swedish school located in the suburbs of Stockholm. Stepping into the classrooms of Töjnaskolan, our pupils were struck by the differences between British and Swedish educational systems. Aside from being instant celebrities, they noticed smaller class sizes, a longer lunchtime and no school uniform. The visit sparked discussions between both sets of pupils about the different educational models, encouraging our students to reflect on their own learning experiences and cultural perspectives. 

On day 5 was a visit to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life from centuries past to the present day. Our students were delighted to explore the native animals of Sweden, with the highlight of the visit being the opportunity to hand-feed some of the friendly birds that call Skansen home. 

On our final day, our pupils experienced an adrenaline rush at Skypark Vaxholm, an exhilarating outdoor adventure park. They navigated treetop obstacle courses, zip-lined across forests, and conquered thrilling challenges, pushing their limits and building confidence. 

As our pupils bid farewell to Stockholm and boarded their flight back to London Heathrow, they carried with them memories that will last a lifetime. The trip embodied Matrix Academy Trust’s ethos of Education without Exception. Through experiences like the Stockholm trip, we empower our students to open their minds to endless possibilities and shape them into compassionate, informed global citizens.