School Information

At Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, we believe that regular and punctual attendance is essential for your child’s academic success. A strong record of attendance plays a critical role in enhancing their learning experience and supporting their overall achievement. By ensuring that your child attends school consistently, they have the best opportunity to succeed academically.


We recognise the positive impact that regular attendance has on both academic progress and personal development. To foster this success, we encourage all staff, students, and parents/carers to prioritise attendance. Your cooperation in minimizing absences during school time helps maximise your child’s chances of reaching their full potential.

Key Benefits of Good Attendance (95%+)

  • Better Wellbeing: Students who attend regularly tend to develop stronger emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.
  • Positive Habits: Consistent attendance helps students build punctuality and reliability—valuable skills for their future.
  • Improved Grades: Regular attendance boosts confidence, fosters a love for learning, and leads to better academic performance.
  • Meaningful Connections: Attending school allows students to develop friendships and engage in enriching social activities.
  • Rewards: Students with excellent attendance earn class chart points, priority for end-of-term trips, and opportunities to participate in individual and group competitions.

What We Do as a School

  • Each week, form tutors share attendance data with students, encouraging them to discuss their progress and address any concerns.
  • Students are made aware of their attendance status and goals on a weekly basis.
  • Attendance under 86% is monitored by our Wellbeing and Attendance Manager, with additional support from the Attendance Welfare Officer (AWO) when necessary.
  • Half-termly letters are sent to parents, sharing updates on student attendance and highlighting any areas of improvement.

What You Can Do as a Parent

  • Notify the school of any absence on the first day by emailing [email protected] or calling 01443 479199.
  • Regularly check in with your child about their attendance and how they feel about school. Open communication helps address any concerns early on.
  • Ensure your child only stays home when they are genuinely ill.
  • Avoid taking family holidays during term time.
  • Familiarise yourself with your child’s school routines, like ensuring they have their PE kit.
  • If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the school—we are here to help and support.

Understanding Absences

Each absence is classified as either authorised or unauthorised by the school, based on the information provided by parents/carers.

Authorised Absences:

These are legitimate absences, such as illness, medical appointments, or emergencies. Proof of appointments or medical conditions should be emailed to the school.

Unauthorised Absences:

These are absences that the school does not consider justifiable, including:

  • Family holidays or day trips during school term (unless pre-approved).
  • Truancy or skipping school.
  • Absences without proper explanation.
  • Absences due to activities like shopping, looking after siblings, or birthdays.
  • Lateness or oversleeping.

Please work with us to resolve any attendance issues as early as possible. If your child is hesitant about attending school, contact us so we can help find a solution.

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)

Fixed penalty notices may be issued in the following circumstances:

  • If a student accumulates 10 or more unauthorised absences in a term.
  • If a student is repeatedly late (more than 30 minutes late on 10 or more occasions).
  • If a parent refuses to engage with the school to improve attendance.
  • If a student is caught truanting during school hours.
  • If a holiday is taken during term time without authorisation.

Attendance Letters

Every half-term, parents will receive a letter outlining their child’s attendance, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement if needed. The categories for attendance and corresponding letters are:

Key doumentation and forms:

Holiday Form
Medical Evidence Form
FPNs Information

How To Find Us

  • Mountain Ash
    Comprehensive School
    New Road
    Mountain Ash
    CF45 4DG

Get In Touch

  • 01443 479199
  • admin@mountainashcomprehensive.rctcbc.cymru
  • Contact Hours: 8.00am-3.30pm
    Mon to Fri

Policies

  • © Mountain Ash Comprehensive School 2024