Reporting Absence

If your child is ill or has a medical appointment, please inform us as early as possible on the first day of absence via:

• 01444 400398
• office@st-marks.w-sussex.sch.uk
• My Child at School (MCAS) 

If we haven’t heard from you by 9:25am, we will contact you to check the reason for absence.

Authorised Absences

We can authorise absence for:

1. Illness or medical appointments
2. Religious observance
3. Transport issues (e.g., county transport failure)

Leave Requests

For exceptional family circumstances, please speak with the Headteacher in advance. She will confirm whether the absence can be authorised.

Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance is a legal requirement. Ofsted expects pupils to attend at least 95% of sessions. Good attendance and punctuality help develop strong learning habits early on.

Holidays During Term Time

The Governing Body does not authorise term-time holidays. Missing school can impact a child’s learning and progress. Please try to schedule holidays outside of term time.