Welcome to Dawlish College.
It continues to be an absolute privilege to be the Headteacher at Dawlish College – the staff and students are second to none and take all of life’s challenges in their stride. Despite current uncertainties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to hold onto our core purpose in all that we do. Behind all of the decisions taken and measures put in place sits the balance between keeping staff and students safe whilst also providing them with a varied and exciting school experience.
Dawlish College is a vibrant and exciting place to be, where we have the highest expectations of staff and students alike and seek to provide challenge at every available opportunity. As a small school, we have a very proud record of holistic support, care and individual attention: the happiness and well-being of our students is of paramount importance and is a vital foundation for their growth and development. Our college has an atmosphere of creativity and positivity that is generated by the provision of excellent opportunities for every individual thereby maximising the outcomes and improving the life chances of the young people in our care.
As a parent myself, I understand that you want your child to be inspired, supported and challenged to be the best version of themselves within an environment that knows them and values them as an individual. Thank you for entrusting me with the care and education of your child, present or future, and I look forward to unlocking their ambitions as I get to know them and work closely with you.
S Banks
Headteacher
“Pupils’ attendance is in line with the national average for all” - Oftsed December 2016
Our key aim at the College is to ensure excellent outcomes and life chances for all. A high level of attendance is crucial to achieving this. The more a student is present in college, the more likely it is that they will achieve their potential by minimising gaps in their learning and setting good habits for future employment.
For daily absence, please contact the school with a reason for absence either by phone or via the ParentMail app. In the event of problems regarding any aspect of attendance other than daily sickness or absence parents should contact the relevant Student Welfare Officer.
You can help your child’s attendance by taking holidays during school holiday times (no school or college can authorise requests for absence relating to holidays during term time), booking medical appointments outside of school hours wherever possible and encouraging students to attend even if they feel a little unwell as they usually perk up once they’re in school with their friends.
Any requests for planned absence should be made in writing to the Headteacher via Student Office. If the College refuses a request for term-time leave and the child is still taken out of school, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence. Each parent receives a penalty notice for each student who has unauthorised absence. If issued with a penalty notice, parents must pay £80 within 21 days or £160 within 28 days. The payment must be made directly to the local authority. If the payment has not been made after 28 days, the local authority can decide whether to prosecute the parent or withdraw the notice.
More information about attendance can be found here.