Attendance

The Academy's Attendance Target is 97%

As part of our MEA Way we share the government’s determination to raise levels of student attendance and achievement in order to ensure the best possible start in life for our children. Research consistently shows that students with the best attendance get the best grades. At MEA, one of our highest performing cohorts is always those students whose attendance is over 97%. The target for all students is a minimum of 97%.

1 day off a fortnight = 90%
2 days off a fortnight = 80%
3 days off a fortnight = 70% 
4 days off a fortnight = 60%

The UK law states that regular attendance is a legal requirement and essential for pupils to achieve their best. The law states that parents/carers are responsible for ensuring their child accesses the educational opportunities available to them. By law, schools also have a duty of care and have to follow very strict regulations on attendance. 

Always inform us if your child is absent and let us know why

If your child is absent from school, you must report the absence before 8:30am by ringing the Absence Line above or the Academy on 0161 499 2726 and pressing 1. Please leave a message if your call is not answered. Every individual day of absence must be reported. A member of the Attendance Team may visit your home if we are unable to make contact with you via the telephone. The Attendance Team will explain what you are required to do for the absence to be authorised. The school will always work to support parents/carers where attendance is a concern.

Attendance Bands at MEA

Attendance and Punctuality

• Students should aim to arrive at the Academy by 8:35am. Form time begins at 8:45am; students arriving after this time will be marked as present but arriving late (L). The register will officially close at 9:15am. Students arriving after this time will be marked (U), late arrival after close of register.
• Parents/Carers will receive a text message informing them that their child is late.
• Lateness to school and lessons is disruptive. Students who are late to the Academy will receive a detention.
• We will invite parents/carers in for a meeting if their child is persistently late so that we can work together to improve the situation.

Punctuality Counts

Achievement is directly linked to attendance and punctuality. Students with high levels of attendance make better progress and acheive better in examinations.

MEA Attendance Policy