School attendance campaign launched to coincide with start of new school year

Pupils from schools across the county borough have come together to discuss the importance of attending school regularly, in a new, short film which has been released by Bridgend County Borough Council to launch its school attendance campaign.

Featuring children from Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen, Garth Primary, Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr and Coety Primary School, the film focuses on the benefits of school beyond learning, with the children explaining why attending school regularly is crucial in terms of their mental health, wellbeing, achievement, and overall development.

Using the key messages ‘Attend to Achieve’ and ‘Miss School, Miss Out’ the film encourages pupils, parents, and carers to consider the negative impact that missing school regularly can have on their future grades, education, and job opportunities. For example, missing out on just 17 days of school will cause a drop in grade across all subjects at GCSE level.

Emphasising how vitally important it is for children in Bridgend County Borough to attend school whenever possible, the film highlights the resources available from schools and the local authority to families who may be struggling to attend.

Ensuring that pupils attend school on a regular basis and on time, is fundamental in helping children to achieve not only success later in life, but also critical for their overall wellbeing and development.

Whilst attendance rates in schools across the county borough have improved post pandemic, attendance is still significantly lower than in 2019.

Working in partnership with schools, we want to reassure those families who are struggling to attend school, that there is support available to them, and urge those who are seeking help to get in touch with your school

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education

To view the film, and for more information on the campaign, you can visit the school attendance webpage