The School Day

Punctuality is an important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management.

Students should arrive at school promptly by 8.35am in time for morning tutor or assembly at 8.45am. Students should always make sure that they are in the appropriate classroom no later than the times shown.

If students arrive after 8.45am, then they must sign in late with the Student Services Office. Students will be marked late in the register and will need a note explaining the reason for late arrival.

The vast majority of students have made an excellent start this year and we are delighted that most students’ attendance is looking very positive. We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the importance of attendance at school and remind you to please telephone the school to alert us to your child’s absence for every day that they are off. Any days which are not accounted for by you (via telephone or email) will be counted as unauthorised absence.

As per Surrey County Council guidance, we will also issue fixed penalty notices (which can lead to fixed penalty fines) for extended periods of unauthorised absence.

If you have any queries regarding attendance at Oxted School, please do contact our attendance team (attendance@oxted.thpt.org.uk).

Amount Payable for a Penalty Notice

The Amount Payable Under a Penalty Notice: The Education (Penalty Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.

1. If a parent/carer has not incurred a penalty notice relating to the relevant child/children since 19 August 2024, then the penalty notice will be charged at the rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court
2. If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024, the rolling 3-year period will be activated from the date of the first penalty notice and the second penalty notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. There will be no reduction for payment within 21 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court
3. If you have incurred 2 penalty notices relating to this child/children in the rolling 3-year period since the first penalty notice was issued, then you will NOT receive a third penalty notice – Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution, per parent/carer per child, in the Magistrates Court under s 444 Education Act 1996