Leadership and Attendance: Benfield School’s Journey to Better Attendance
At NEAT Academy Trust, we know that improving attendance is about more than just numbers—it’s about understanding and supporting our students and their families. Benfield School in Newcastle has taken an inspiring approach to this challenge, and their hard work is paying off. Recently ranked among the top 10 most improved schools for attendance in England, Benfield is showing how strong leadership and a caring, personalised approach can make a huge difference.
Putting Students First
With 61% of Benfield’s students eligible for pupil premium, attendance can be a real struggle for some families. But instead of focusing on the statistics alone, Benfield’s leaders have prioritised getting to know their students and their unique circumstances. They understand that every child has a story, and they work closely with families to address the challenges that might be keeping students away from school. This personal touch has been key to their success.
A Team Effort
Improving attendance isn’t just the responsibility of one person—at Benfield, it’s a team effort. The school’s leadership has created a culture of shared responsibility, where everyone plays a part in encouraging students to come to school. They’ve even introduced a special role, the Attendance Champion, to lead the way, offering extra support where it’s needed most. This has helped to build a positive, supportive environment where students feel encouraged, not pressured, to attend regularly.
Data that Makes a Difference
Benfield also uses data in a thoughtful way. By identifying students who might be at risk of falling behind, the school can step in early with targeted support. One initiative they’ve introduced is the “Golden Hour”—the first hour of every school day is focused on attendance. This ensures that students, staff, and families are all working together to make attendance a priority, from the moment the day begins.
Looking Ahead
Benfield School’s journey to improving attendance is far from over, but their progress so far is a true testament to the power of strong leadership and community support. By building relationships and keeping the focus on each individual student, they’re showing what’s possible when a school comes together with one shared goal—helping students succeed through better attendance.
Want to know more about how Benfield’s leadership team is making a difference? Check out the full article from The Excellence Hub here.