As we look forward to the upcoming England World Cup match, I am writing to clarify the school’s position regarding attendance on Monday morning.

You may have seen recent media coverage regarding comments made by the England manager, suggesting that children should seek notes to miss school after staying up late to watch the game. While we entirely share the nation’s excitement and will be cheering the team on, these comments have understandably placed schools in a difficult position.

The Secretary of State for Education has explicitly re-iterated that Monday remains a normal, compulsory school day. Please note the following key points regarding Monday’s attendance:

No Special Allowances: The Department for Education has not issued any special attendance codes or allowances for this event.

Standard Procedures Apply: Any absences or late arrivals related to watching the match will be marked as unauthorised, in line with standard national guidelines.

Impact on Records: As a school, our overall attendance data is closely monitored and analysed by external bodies, particularly as we operate within our current inspection windows. Every absence directly impacts these official records.

We completely understand that the early morning kick-off presents a challenge for family routines, and we want our pupils to enjoy these historic sporting moments. However, as a school, we have a statutory duty to reinforce the importance of attendance and minimise disruption to learning.

The impact of this fixture will be felt by schools across the country, and we are incredibly grateful for your cooperation in ensuring our pupils are in class, on time, and ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Warm regards,

Helen Smith

Executive Headteacher