Dedicated students who have set Plantsbrook School attendance records made it though their entire school life without a single day off.
Four students in Year 11 at Plantsbrook School are now taking their GCSEs this year after five years without missing a day of their education.
But while the dedication of pupils Kendell Blackwood-Downer, Jemima Manton, Dylan King, and Samantha Cureton has set a real example for youngsters at the school, even they have two other students to look up to.
That’s because sixth formers Rhys Miles and Matthew Steele have set even better Plantsbrook School attendance records, by making it through an incredible seven years of school at Plantsbrook without a single day off.
They are about to take their A-level exams in Year 13 with a perfect attendance record.
Rhys, 18, said: “I’m very proud. It’s down to determination, a bit of luck but also just having drive to get to school and learn.”
Seventeen-year-old Matthew said: “Plantsbrook is a really good school with teachers who inspire you, which makes you want to come in and learn.”
Dylan, 16, said: “The more you are in school, the better chance you have of passing your exams. It’s important not to miss lessons, because you then have to catch up.”
Jemima, who is 15, said she had recently been ill but had still made sure she attended.
“I was really unwell yesterday, but needed to go into school because I had an exam. It was just one of those things where you just have to get on with it.”
“We know what a difference it makes to a student’s education to have excellent attendance – it’s one of the major contributory factors towards them doing so well and feeling confident about their exams.”
– Deputy headteacher Andy Hulse
Sixteen-year-old Samantha, said good attendance also set an example for younger pupils.
“School is really important, and it’s important that you come in every day. It’s as simple as that,” she said.
Plantsbrook operates a rewards system for pupils, with a presentation evening and prizes including vouchers, badges and certificates to recognise good attendance.
Deputy headteacher Andy Hulse said it was an achievement to make it through the entire secondary school system without missing a single day.
“We know what a difference it makes to a student’s education to have excellent attendance – it’s one of the major contributory factors towards them doing so well and feeling confident about their exams.
“It is a fantastic achievement to have shown this level of determination.”