Attendance Lead

Greenshaw High School is a highly over-subscribed 11 to 18 mixed comprehensive secondary school situated in Sutton, South West London. We are proud of our strong local reputation, having over 4,000 applications for 300 places in September 2024.

In October 2024 the hard work of our students and staff was recognised by Ofsted. The inspection team described the school as offering "an exceptional standard of education", using the words "flourishing, "inclusive" and "friendly" to describe our school. In the report Quality of Education, Behaviour & Attitudes, Sixth Form and Leadership & Management were all graded as Outstanding.

We have a very diverse population of students, offering a comprehensive range of opportunities for colleagues who work here. Our students - of all groups - have done incredibly well over the last few years, with our GCSE achievement always being at least in the top 20% of the country, and over 60 Sixth Form students attending Russell Group universities each year.

We are looking for an Attendance Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to join GLT / Greenshaw High School and become an integral member of the Attendance team.

Our Attendance Officers maintain our attendance database and implements our attendance procedures and administration. Our Attendance Support Worker works with students and families where habits of good attendance have not been developed, requiring them to conduct home visits and work flexibly and intensively with a small number of students. Our pastoral leads provide individual and group interventions for students who have low attendance but do attend sporadically.

Greenshaw High School tries to adopt a preventative approach to behaviour and attendance. We have a number of timetabled interventions in place to support students with a range of behavioural, social, emotional and mental wellbeing needs. Our classrooms are run effectively and we have strong systems in place to minimise disruption to learning.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is a highly successful multi academy trust that provides excellent quality, comprehensive and inclusive education through primary schools and secondary schools. Our schools are based in London, Surrey, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Plymouth. We also have three shared service hubs where our central teams can be based out of. We are building a family of like-minded schools, that collaborate to provide mutual support, share their good practice and learn from each other, whilst retaining and developing their own distinctive character. We thrive from collaboration at every level. We encourage a culture of sharing ideas and learning from one another. As a Trust of schools, we are ‘Always Learning’ .

To get a feel of life at Greenshaw Learning Trust, please download our ‘Why you should work for GLT’ recruitment brochure on our jobs portal.

Main responsibilities:

● Work directly with the senior leadership team to monitor absence, identify any patterns and concerns, review processes and take a strategic lead on the attendance approach for the whole school

● Communicating with students, Year teams, Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead and Safeguarding Team to gain an understanding of students’ needs

● Supporting staff with the development of Action Plans, EBSA plans, individual interventions and group workshops for students and their parents/carers

● In collaboration with the SLT line manager, regularly reviewing and refining systems for ensuring good attendance across the whole school

● Planning how to support families who have difficulties maintaining good attendance

● Using data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions

● Liaising with Year teams and Sixth Form attendance staff regarding actions to take to improve attendance, and holding them to account for implementing agreed actions

● Line managing the Attendance Officer - Years 7 to 11, ensuring all aspects of their role are carried out efficiently; including regular meetings to monitor attendance and ensure agreed actions and processes are implemented in a timely manner

● Line managing the Attendance Officer - Sixth Form, ensuring all aspects of their role are carried out efficiently; including regular meetings to monitor attendance and ensure agreed actions and processes are implemented in a timely manner

● To be able to cover for Attendance Officers when required, including during sickness or other absences, to maintain effective attendance processes

● Line managing the Attendance Support Worker, ensuring home visits and workshops are carried out effectively and in a targeted fashion

● Keeping up to date with the latest research and guidance in relation to attendance

● Organising and chairing problem-solving meetings regarding students with low attendance

● Closely monitoring attendance data and producing half-termly analyses plus reports for SLT and governors

● Reviewing and updating the attendance policy, ensuring it is compliant with government statutory guidance

● Supporting with Primary-Secondary transition to ensure good attendance habits are established from Year 7

● Work closely with the Safeguarding team and keep the Designated Safeguarding Officer informed of concerns relating to safeguarding and/or child protection.

● Undertaking any other duties commensurate with the post as may be required by the Headteacher.

You will need:

Essential -

● Educated to at least A-level standard (or equivalent)

● Educated to at least GCSE grade C/4 standard (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics

● Practical experience of word processing, excel, e- mail and other office electronic applications

● Willingness to undertake induction and ongoing training

● Knowledge and understanding of how to assess the needs of young people who exhibit SEMH difficulties and EBSA

● Knowledge and understanding of behaviour management techniques

● Knowledge and experience of supporting parents or carers in implementing strategies at home

● Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the ability to put these in to practice

● Ability to engage and motivate students who may present in a challenging manner

● Ability to maintain accurate records electronically

● Ability to use initiative to improve process and to be creative and analytical in order to find solutions to complex issue

● Courteous and effective when dealing with people, able to exchange information in a tactful and diplomatic manner

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal sensitively with related issues/individuals with tact, diplomacy and discretion

● Ability to engage and motivate students who may present in a challenging manner

● Ability to set boundaries for individuals and groups and manage challenging behaviour

● Positive, enthusiastic and committed to supporting the progress and development of young people

● Ability to work quickly, methodically and accurately under pressure and act flexibly to support others and respond to unplanned situations

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate with colleagues, students, parents and other visitors in a professional and calm manner when facing emotive difficulties

● Ability to listen to and empathise with parents/carers whilst not tolerating low attendance

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, to enable successful working with a range of professionals, based on mutual respect and understanding

● Efficient, accurate and excellent attention to detail

● Ability to work under pressure and to strict timelines

● Excellent organisational and administrative skills

● High standard of literacy and numeracy

● Knowledge and understanding of the education sector, a desire to work in a comprehensive school and a willingness to contribute to various aspects of school life

● Desire to work with young people and to support their education and achievements

● Commitment to improving the life chances of young people and motivated by a desire to provide high standards of service delivery

● Sensitivity to the range of needs and difficulties that young people experience

● Desire to enhance and develop skills and knowledge through CPD

● Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and the highest standards of child protection

● Recognition of the importance of personal responsibility for Health and Safety

● Commitment to the school’s ethos, aims and its whole community

Desirable -

● Qualifications in the fields of psychology, mental health, counselling, youth work or any other relevant training

● Hold a recognised degree (or equivalent)

● Experience of working within a school setting or other similar establishment

● Experience of school data and information systems in a school environment

● Experience of working with young people with SEMH

● Knowledge and experience of supporting young people with issues that may present as barriers to attendance

● Knowledge and experience of working with multi-agency

What’s in it for you:

● Professional development and career progression

● Generous pension scheme

● Blue Light Card

● Eligibility for Teacher Art Pass (teaching staff only)

● An Employee Assistance Programme

● Gym Discounts

● Free eye tests

● Cycle to work scheme

● Green car scheme

● Being part of a great team and expanding organisation

Please download the recruitment pack for further information.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.