Seeking advice on absence issues when taking 11+ exams/assessments

[CheekyCoralScroller]

Our DC is currently going through the 11+ application process. This term, we participated in several entrance exams and scholarship assessments for independent schools. Unfortunately, some of these exams were only scheduled during weekdays, so we had to request leave from DC’s public primary school.

However, the headteacher did not approve these requests, despite we have explained the purpose. With the lack of approval, we still had to attend these exams. As a result, our DC’s absences exceeded the school’s policy limits, and we were issued a penalty. In the latest response, the school informed us that any further requests for term-time exams or interviews should not be requested, and they mentioned escalating the issue to the county’s Legal Absence Team.

This situation has caused significant stress for both our family and our child. We thought that the right to choose a secondary school was fundamental. DC has its own preference and was excited to participate in these exams to pursue its ideal school, and thought the current school would support these efforts, but instead, leaving confused and disheartened.

Adding to our concern, most interviews, second-round tests, and scholarship assessments for the schools we are applying to will take place in January and February. We are lack of ideas for next steps.

So I would greatly appreciated for advice:

1. Any of you experienced or heard of similar situations? If so, any suggestions for handling this issue?
2. What exactly is the county’s Legal Absence Team? We are unsure about the implications of this step and what actions we, as parents, can take.
3. Any other advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance for your help.

Unless you’ve applied for an outrageous no of schools and/or missed a lot of school for prep or other things, that seems very odd. I’m quite sure you’d be able to appeal it.

I work in attendance and this is ridiculous. Your school should be 'J1' coding your son's absence, and authorising them, Therefore your school is either ignorant of national guidance or being deliberately difficult.

If it was referred to the legal team, by the way, the fine wouldn't go through. Please don't stress about it - it's not worth it.

they did gave J1 for 2 grammar tests at the beginning of the term. but after that none was given. Independent schools tests were all arranged in Nov/Dec, which soon accumulate our absence to threshold.

They said that the reason not giving any more J1 is that our absences were too many. Is that because even for authorised absence, there are still limits?

Yes maybe they are unsure of how to explain the volume of J1 codes to an Ofsted inspector. Maybe help from the LA might be the way forward.

No specific time frames for exceptional use like J1 code when absence is granted are set. However, Working together guidance says
"If a leave of absence is granted, it is for the school to determine the length of the time the pupil can be away from school."

@CheekyCoralScroller This info was given to parents… they’re getting very strict now!

I hope this get resolved for you, we also applied to lots of schools and were given authorised leave but the child had to either be in school prior or after the exam or interview unless it’s an all day testing. Remember, they measure the day in two parts: am & pm

Such as shame they are making such a fuss when it’s for educational purposes…it’s not like your child is going to stay with them after year 6. You have every right to want and give your child what you believe is best for them!

My advice would be to fight it and keep requesting authorised leave. It’s unlikely you will be fined…

GL