A secondary school has been tracking the link between attendance and GCSE results.
Over the past several years, St Alban’s RC High School, in Pontypool, has been comparing pupils’ attendance rates in Year 11 with their grades.
Their data shows that Year 11 pupils with 95 per cent attendance achieve B grades on average.
That compares to pupils with attendance rates of between 95 per cent and 90 per cent and get C grades on average, and pupils with 90 per cent attendance or less who get an average of D grades.
It’s the first long-term study into the link between attendance and exam results in Torfaen and the data is helping staff to provide targeted help, including well-being support, mentoring and contact with families.
That support is delivering significant improvements, with one pupil’s attendance rising from 46% to 90.7%, while another increased from 77% to 85.2%.
Kevin Jones, Assistant Headteacher for Wellbeing and Inclusion, said: “Attendance is one of the strongest indicators of academic success. Our data clearly shows that pupils who attend school regularly achieve significantly better outcomes.
“We are committed to working closely with pupils and families to remove barriers to attendance and provide the support needed for every young person to thrive both academically and personally.”
Pupils with poor attendance receive individualised support packages to ensure they have the guidance and assistance needed throughout their educational journey.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “This research reinforces studies elsewhere which show that being in school is critical to pupils’ success.
“Pupils with average attendance rates of 90 per cent are missing the equivalent of half a day a week or one month a year, which can have a big impact on how well they do. It’s important pupils and families seek help if they need it so measures can be put in place to help them achieve their goals.”