Education School's new idea to boost attendance

A SCHOOL in Bristol has launched an 'Own Clothes Challenge' in a bid to boost its attendance figures.

- Angus MCINTYRE

Pupils at Bridge Farm Primary School in Whitchurch will be allowed to wear their own clothes to school on a Friday - provided they have attended school on every other day that week.

Bridge Farm Primary's acting-headteacher Matthew Flannigan announced the novel initiative in a letter to parents dated November 5.

"As I'm sure you appreciate, every day at school is vital as the children are either receiving new learning or building upon previous learning," the letter said.

"As the curriculum is so packed, it is very difficult for teachers to cover "lost learning" from days when children have been absent.

"Due to the colder weather, attendance figures often drop during the winter months, so we are hoping our new challenge will help to combat this."