March 8th 2026
Many of you will be aware of the increasing national focus on pupil attendance, not only at Moulsford but across the UK. News stories about school incentives and attendance initiatives are frequently making headlines, and recent government legislation introduced in 2025 has further strengthened expectations around regular school attendance. Independent schools are now under greater scrutiny than ever before, with many senior schools requesting attendance data as part of a pupil’s reference during the admissions process.
As Moulsford’s Attendance Champion, I recently spoke with pupils in assembly about the importance of good attendance. Following this, we held a competition asking pupils to reflect on why coming to school matters to them. Some of their thoughtful responses are now displayed around the school, highlighting the many opportunities our pupils enjoy and value as part of their daily school life.
So why does attendance matter? The evidence is clear: even a small number of missed days can have a noticeable impact on a child’s education and future prospects. Research shows that children who attend school nearly every day in Year 6 (95–100% attendance) have around 30% higher odds of reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths compared with similar pupils whose attendance falls between 90–95%. This link between attendance and attainment becomes even stronger at secondary school.
As parents and carers, you play a vital role in making school attendance a priority. Regular attendance helps children remain fully engaged in their learning, maintain friendships and develop the positive routines that support both their wellbeing and academic success.
At the same time, we recognise that some children face additional challenges. Pupils with long-term medical conditions, significant mental health needs, or special educational needs (SEND) may encounter more complex barriers to attending school. In these situations, our priority is always to work in partnership with families to support each child in the most appropriate and compassionate way.
Where possible, please keep your child at home only when they are genuinely too unwell to attend school. We also encourage families to arrange medical appointments and holidays outside of school hours or term time whenever possible. If you are experiencing any difficulties with attendance, please do speak with us. By working together, we can identify any barriers and develop tailored support that enables every child to access and benefit fully from their education.
