Yesterday, 13/11/2025, I had the privilege of chairing the St George’s School governors’ meeting in my capacity as vice-chair, following the recent resignation of our chair. The meeting was both insightful and thought-provoking, with several key issues coming to the fore. Notably, our headteacher shared an update on the school’s pupil intake, highlighting a welcome rise in enrolment numbers, a positive development for our school community.
Our current pupil body is diverse, comprising children from a range of backgrounds, including White British, African, Asian, Eastern European, and mixed heritage. Upon reviewing the attendance data, the following overview was presented.
It is noteworthy that pupils from African, Asian, Eastern European, and mixed backgrounds are currently exhibiting higher attendance rates compared to their White British peers. This observation prompts several questions and potential avenues for further exploration. Whilst there may be a range of contributing factors, some possible reasons could include differing cultural attitudes towards education, varying family circumstances, or the impact of support systems both within and outside the school. It is important, however, to avoid assumptions and consider each pupil’s context individually.
To support improved attendance among White British pupils, I invite governors and colleagues to reflect on potential strategies. For instance:
· How might we strengthen engagement with families to better understand any barriers to attendance?
· Are there specific support services or outreach initiatives that could be enhanced or introduced?
· Could pupil voice activities help us identify underlying issues affecting attendance?
· What role might community partnerships play in reinforcing the importance of regular school attendance?
During the meeting, the headteacher also shared the School’s recent experience welcoming two families from Afghanistan. These pupils arrived with their mother, whose journey to the UK must have been incredibly challenging. Another family had to relocate following the father’s involvement with the British Special Forces. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the diverse backgrounds represented within our school, and the resilience shown in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on these experiences and the data before us, I encourage all governors, educators, and stakeholders to consider how we can continue to foster an inclusive environment where every child feels supported to attend and thrive.
Your insights and suggestions would be greatly valued as we strive to understand and address the factors influencing attendance across our pupil groups.
#SchoolGovernance #Inclusion #EducationMatters #CommunityLeadership #AttendanceMatters #DiversityInEducation #StrategicLeadership
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