Headteacher's Letter 27.04.2026

Dear Families,

Re: Attendance at School

I hope you are well. As we approach a busy and important time in the school year, with exams beginning for many of our students, we are also looking ahead to ensure that all students continue to make strong progress. Regular attendance at school is essential in supporting this.

Stepney All Saints has been recognised nationally for its excellent outcomes, and our most recent Ofsted inspection highlighted the exceptional achievement, behaviour and attitudes of our students. These outcomes reflect the hard work of our staff and students, but they are also underpinned by one key factor: strong attendance.

Our curriculum is carefully planned so that each lesson builds on prior learning. Missing even one lesson can have a negative impact on progress. There is a clear link between high attendance and strong academic outcomes, particularly at GCSE, where students with attendance above 98% are far more likely to achieve the highest grades.

To illustrate this, please see the guide below:

With a school-wide attendance target of 98%, absences should only occur in cases of genuine illness or exceptional circumstances, as defined by the Department for Education (DfE). Any planned absence must be approved in advance, and holidays during term time are not permitted.

Unauthorised absences and persistent lateness may result in penalty notices being issued by the local authority.

We understand that students may occasionally feel unwell; however, unless they are genuinely too ill to attend or have been advised by a medical professional to stay at home, we encourage attendance. Even attending part of the day can make a significant difference to learning.

If your child is absent, you must contact the school before 8:00am each day. Medical appointments should be arranged outside school hours wherever possible. Attendance will continue to be monitored closely, and families will be contacted where concerns arise.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child attends school regularly and achieves their full potential.

Yours sincerely,

 
Ben Siaw
Headteacher