Young Wrexham

Attendance

The law states that everyone between the ages of 5 and 16 must get a full-time education. It‘s compulsory and not something that you or your parents can choose.

The reason this law came about was to protect you as children and young people and to ensure that you had the opportunity to learn and receive an education to give you a good start in life.

The earliest you can leave school is at 16 you must attend school regularly until the end of Year 11 with the official school leaving date being the last Friday in June of that year.

Bunking Off

Bunking off, skiving, or truancy is being absent from school without good reason.

As it is law and compulsory for you to attend school, therefore there are consequences to face if you are absent without permission for both you and your parents, who could be taken to court and fined.

A lot of unexplained absences from school can also go against you when you apply for jobs and other courses in the future so it‘s really important to go to attend.

There are many reasons why you might want to avoid going to school - here are some:

• You might be having difficulties with your school work and are feeling worried.
• You might have a learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) that hasn't been recognised and you're not getting the help and support you need.
• You could be avoiding school because you are being bullied.
• There is also a condition known as ‘school phobia‘, which is a genuine fear of school. You can‘t just decide to have school phobia - a doctor would have to say if you had this condition.
• Some people genuinely dislike school but remember it‘s the law - you must attend until the official school leaving date which is the last Friday of June in Year 11 at the moment. If you are really not enjoying school then remember it doesn‘t last forever.

What will the school do if you play truant?

• A teacher may speak to you about your attendance.
• If you are still absent after this then the school will probably want to discuss the problem with your parents or guardians.
• Your parents may also get a letter from the local education authority (LEA) and a visit from an Education Welfare Office (EWO - may sometimes be called an Education Social Worker).
• An Education Welfare Officer is responsible for checking on students who don‘t turn up at school on a regular basis. They will investigate your problem and try to help sort it out, often with advice from teachers and parents or guardians
• If you do not attend school then your parents can be taken to court.

Where to get help

• If you are having problems in school or at home that are making it difficult for you to attend, try to talk to your parents or teachers about it.
• If you are being bullied read our bullying section for tips on how to deal with this.
• You cannot continue to be absent from school, you need to find a solution to your problems with your parents or teachers who might want to meet to discuss the situation.