Standards and Attendance

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you and your family have enjoyed a restful summer. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our students back to Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School for the new academic year on Thursday 4th September at 08:20.

This is always an exciting time – new beginnings, new opportunities, and renewed focus on achieving the very best outcomes for every child. At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we live out our mantra of High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards every day because Through God, we Care. With your support, our young people can thrive both academically and personally.

Standards and Expectations

The Headteacher’s summer letter set out our expectations clearly. These remain non-negotiable and apply to all students, ensuring fairness and consistency.

  • Uniform: Correct school uniform must be worn at all times, including polishable shoes and the correct trousers/skirt length. Non-uniform items will be confiscated.
  • Jewellery/Appearance: No jewellery (except a wristwatch, not a smart watch) is permitted. Piercings, false nails, false eyelashes, unnatural hair colours and excessive make-up are not allowed.
  • Equipment: Every student must bring a school bag, fully stocked pencil case, scientific calculator and reading book every day.

High standards in these areas help set the tone for a successful year and reflect the pride our students have in being part of the Boteler family.

Attendance and Punctuality

Excellent attendance is one of the biggest factors in student success. Our expectation is that every student achieves at least 96% attendance across the year.

  • Reporting Absence: All absence must be reported by telephone on 01925 636414 before 08:00 where possible. Text messages and emails are not accepted. Our Attendance Officer, Miss Mannion, can be contacted directly (Ext. 179 or smannion@boteler.org.uk).
  • Illness: Medical evidence will be required if there is prolonged absence or ongoing concerns.
  • Appointments: Please arrange medical/dental appointments outside school hours where possible.
  • Holidays: Holidays will not be authorised during term time.

Punctuality:
Students must be on site by 08:20 Monday to Thursday and 08:50 on Fridays. Please be advised of our sanction system in relation to punctuality concerns.

  • 1st late (up to 15 minutes): Break detention in C3
  • 2nd late (up to 15 minutes): 30-minute lunch detention in C3
  • Any lateness beyond 15 minutes: 30-minute lunch detention in C3
  • A significant late is over 30 minutes (after registration closes): Immediate HOY intervention and 60-minute after-school detention
  • Arrival after 09:00 (Mon–Thurs) / 09:25 (Fri) will also result in a U code (an unauthorised absence).

Sanctions and Behaviour

In order to maintain our high standards, we are refining our approach to detentions and behaviour this year. A C3 is where your child has been removed from a classroom due to their significant disruption.

  • C3 detentions = A 30-minute after-school detention on the same day, ensuring issues are resolved immediately to support a fresh start the next day.
  • Two C3s in one day = Isolation plus 60-minute after-school detention on the same day.
  • A serious breach of the school behaviour policy leading to an isolation = Isolation in the C3 room for the duration of the day and a 60-minute after-school detention.

These measures ensure clarity, consistency, and fairness, where we will support students in the modification of their behaviour and making better choices.

Mobile Phone Pouches

From Thursday 4th September, we will launch the use of mobile phone pouches, as outlined in the Headteacher’s earlier communication and the consultation before the summer:

Students can either:

  1. Leave their phone at home, or
  2. Use a Phone Locker pouch provided by the school.
  • Phones are locked inside the pouch on arrival.
  • Students keep the pouch with them during the day.
  • Phones are unlocked when leaving school.
  • Students are responsible for their phone at all times.

Mobile phones will only be allowed on site if they are securely locked away.

Working Together

We are incredibly proud of our school community and what we achieve together. By working in genuine partnership with parents and carers, we can continue to raise standards and provide the very best education for every child.

Working together to achieve the highest standards will lead directly to success for our students. Clear expectations and consistent sanctions are part of this, and your support in reinforcing these messages at home is greatly appreciated. Further information will follow in relation to Behaviour Policy updates and support in improving whole school attendance.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming all our students back on Thursday 4th September and to another successful year ahead.

Yours faithfully

Mr J Leonard

Deputy Headteacher