Absence from School

If you know your child is going to be absent from school for any reason, please let us know as soon as you can.

An absence form should be completed and sent in once your child returns to school. These are available from the school office or a Word file can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

In recent years, increasing numbers of children throughout Scotland have taken time off school for family holidays. The Scottish Executive strongly discourages this and Mr Glenn Rodgers, Director of Education of Scottish Borders Council has issued the following statement:

"Taking family holidays during the school term is disruptive to your own child's education as well as having an impact on the other pupils in the class and the teachers. Parents should do everything possible to take their holidays during the designated school holiday dates and only in very exceptional circumstances consider taking holidays during term time. Parents are asked to accommodate this request in the interest of their own children and the smooth running of the school."

As a result the school will not be able to agree to any request for time off for holidays except in "exceptional circumstances" and any absences for this purpose will be recorded as unauthorised.

to download an absence form in Word format. The form will open in a new window. Close that window to return to this page.