Dear HP families,

I am delighted to report that the first week back at HP has been a great success. It has been fantastic to see all of our students returning to school looking incredibly smart in their uniforms and displaying exemplary standards of conduct. From day one, our students have been working hard in their lessons, and the positive atmosphere across the school has been palpable. We are extremely proud of them and excited to work together over the coming months.

This week, I had the opportunity to speak to all our students during assemblies, and my key message was focused on the importance of attendance. Attendance is our top priority this year at HP. As I explained to the students, regular attendance not only supports academic success but also promotes personal well-being. This was highlighted in a recent attendance survey, completed by our students and those in other secondary schools across Gloucester. The survey revealed that students who attend school regularly feel happier, more connected, and develop stronger relationships with their peers and staff. These connections are essential for all young people as they grow and navigate their secondary school years.

In addition to promoting well-being, attendance is crucial for academic achievement. Over the summer, we carried out a detailed analysis of our students’ GCSE and A Level results, and the findings were clear. Once again, our students have achieved fantastic grades, with more passes in English and Maths, a greater number of top grades (7s to 9s at GCSE, As and A*s at A Level), and more students securing their first-choice destinations for post-16 and post-19 education. The data also showed a strong correlation between regular attendance and students achieving their full potential by the time they leave us. Simply put, being in school consistently is key to success.

Our target for all students this year is 95% attendance or higher. This is not just an arbitrary figure; 95% is a key benchmark that predicts both happiness and success in school. We understand that, on rare occasions, some of our students may face life-changing events such as a serious medical condition or a bereavement. In these exceptional cases, our sole focus will be on supporting the child and their family. However, for the majority of students, achieving 95% attendance or higher is a realistic and attainable goal.

To further encourage good attendance, I am excited to announce the launch of the HP Hero Club. This initiative celebrates students who demonstrate the four key attendance behaviours: Here, Every day, Ready, and On time. All students with 95% or higher attendance at the October half-term will automatically become members of the HP Hero Club. Members will receive a special badge and gain access to a variety of rewards, including trips, silent discos, and our highly anticipated end-of-year funfair. We are always looking to expand these rewards to ensure students feel appreciated and motivated.

For those who may miss out on membership at the first opportunity, there will be a chance to improve attendance and ‘buy back in’ with house points. This system is designed to keep students engaged and motivated throughout the year. Importantly, any student facing exceptional circumstances will not be penalised. I will share more details about the HP Hero Club in my next letter.

If you need support with your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Your child’s Head of Year is the first point of contact, and their details can be found on our Contact Details webpage which is found through the Information tab. We are here to work with you to overcome any barriers because we know that regular attendance is the foundation of success for every child.

Thank you for your ongoing support. I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Mr Hudson
Headteacher