Attendance of pupils at school is an essential prerequisite for learning. Every absence from school has a detrimental effect on a pupil’s level of attainment. Parents have an obligation to see that pupils attend school regularly and that any absences are accounted for by notes to Form Teachers. By the Home-School Compact, parents agree not to take family holidays during term-time.

St Patrick’s Grammar School is sympathetic to requests of absence where there are strong compassionate grounds, or for attendance at funerals or family weddings or other exceptional celebrations. It is, however, an agreed and categorical condition of a pupil attending the school that absences for holiday purposes are not taken and we oppose such absences with all the powers at our disposal. Leave of pupil absence for approved purposes is granted by the Principal, Mr D G Mullan. All requests for leave of absence during school term should be submitted to the Principal in writing, by email or by telephone giving as much notice as possible.