Attendance at John Masefield High School 

At John Masefield High School we place a strong emphasis on the importance of good attendance, recognising that being in school regularly is fundamental to students’ academic progress, wellbeing and future success. We work closely with families to encourage high attendance levels and to support students in attending school as fully as possible. 

Attendance is monitored closely, with patterns reviewed by tutors, Year Leaders and our pastoral team so that any concerns can be addressed early. Where attendance falls below expectations, we engage with parents or carers to offer support and to identify any barriers a student may be facing. 

 
Absence trends and national context 

Like many schools across England, attendance levels have faced challenges in recent years. National Department for Education data shows that overall absence rates increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from around 4.7% before the pandemic to over 7% in the subsequent years and remaining above historical levels for several years. Persistent absence (missing 10% or more of school sessions) and severe absence (missing more than half of sessions) also increased significantly during this period.  

Although there has been some reduction in overall absence more recently, absence levels remain well above pre-pandemic figures, and many schools continue to work hard to reduce persistent absence.  

 
Impact of absence 

Regular attendance has a direct connection with academic attainment: pupils with higher attendance are significantly more likely to achieve strong outcomes in key subjects such as English and Maths, and even small amounts of absence can reduce those chances.  

Beyond academic achievement, attendance supports social development, participation in school life and future opportunities. Research shows that missing school regularly is linked with lower attainment and can have long-term impacts on future earnings and life chances.  

 
Our approach 

At John Masefield High School, we celebrate and reward strong attendance and work proactively with students and families where attendance is a concern. This includes personalised support plans, attendance monitoring, and partnership with external agencies where needed to help students overcome challenges.