Reporting Absence

If a child needs to miss a school day, this should be reported by 8.30am to our Attendance Officer, Ms Whittle via email at: attendance@soham-college.org.uk or alternatively, telephone: 01353 724100 and select option 1 to leave a message.

If absence is due to illness, we ask that you explain in a little detail their condition and any steps taken to remedy it. If a medical professional is seen, we recommend that you keep any evidence of the visit, such as an appointment card, prescription etc.

For further information, please see our Attendance policy and flowchart;

Planned Term-Time Absence

We strongly recommend that families do not book leave during term time. In accordance with government guidelines, any absence due to term time leave will be unauthorised and parents/carers liable to a penalty notice unless exceptional circumstances apply. Requests for term time leave must be made to the Headteacher in writing, using the online form below and these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If the absence is not authorised and is for 5 days or over, Penalty Notices will be issued to the parents/guardians/caregivers who went on the Term Time Leave.

The fine will be £160 if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.

A second penalty notice for the same parent in respect of the same child is charged at the higher rate.

Only 2 penalty notices can be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within a 3-year rolling period, if Term Time Leave occurs again, a prosecution sanction will be used.

If absence is for more than 21 days, a prosecution sanction will be used.