Sheffield school's pride as pupils reach 100 per cent attendance over five years

Jamie Hockley, Adam Oakley and Simon Benedict Flavell have not missed a single day at Handsworth Grange Community Sports College since they started aged 11.

Now, five years later, they are celebrating their impressive record and looking ahead to the future.

Jamie, aged 16, began to realise the importance of attendance in primary school, and carried it on through the years.

“I realised that I hadn’t missed a day,” he said.

“Even if I had a dentist’s appointment, my mum would say I had to go to school.

“At primary school I always came in and I didn’t like to be late.

“It feels great to have 100 per cent. I can use that in interviews now.”

Simon, 15, added: “I never really wanted to be late for school. I want to try to get as much education as possible.

“I’ve found things great at Handsworth. I’ve met a lot of new people and everyone is really friendly.”

After the summer holidays, Simon plans to go to college to study videogame development.

He said: “Hopefully I can carry on my attendance record there.”

And Adam, 16, said: “I didn’t expect I would get this record, but it’s a great achievement. The last few years have been great.

“I’m now going to try to get an apprenticeship in plumbing and hopefully try to get a job.”

Headteacher Anne Quaile presented the boys with a certificate and a small gift each to recognise their commitment.

She said: “It is the most amazing feat that theses boys have not had a single day off.

“Attendance has been at the forefront of things, with people taking holidays in term time, but we have had the support of our parents.

“It really shows how much they enjoy being at school.”