At Kingswood College, we often speak about the importance of regular attendance in supporting student learning. When students are present and engaged, they have the best opportunity to progress, connect with their peers, and make the most of their time at school. But did you know that student attendance also has a significant impact on teachers?

Recent research published in the Educational Researcher journal (Gottfried et al., 2024) has highlighted something we don’t always talk about: that student absenteeism doesn’t just affect those who are missing classes. It can also affect the wellbeing and job satisfaction of teachers. The study found that when more students are absent in a classroom, teachers report feeling less satisfied in their work, not because of changes in their teaching, but because it becomes harder to build momentum, see growth over time, and feel a consistent sense of progress with their students. Professor Michael Gottfried, the lead author of the study, explains:

“Teachers thrive when they can build momentum with their students, see growth over time, and feel their work is making a difference. Absenteeism disrupts that.”

When teachers spend time catching students up, adjusting plans, or repeating explanations, it can interrupt the natural flow of learning in the classroom. Over time, this can take an emotional toll, even on the most experienced educators. At Kingswood College, we are fortunate to have a deeply committed and passionate teaching team. They care deeply about every student’s progress, and they take great pride in helping students learn, grow, and succeed. But like any profession, teaching is most rewarding when there is a strong sense of connection and continuity. That’s why we’re asking for your continued partnership in helping us prioritise attendance. Whether it’s arriving on time each day, avoiding unnecessary absences, or communicating early if there’s a concern, every effort matters. Not only does it support your child’s learning, it supports the teachers who are there every day, giving their best.

Together, we can make a real difference.

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