Attendance Officer – Secondary School – Taunton, Somerset

Location: Taunton, Somerset Start Date: As soon as possible Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

A secondary school in Taunton is looking to appoint a proactive Attendance Officer to support its efforts to improve pupil attendance and punctuality. The school understands the importance of regular attendance in helping students make progress, build positive routines and remain engaged with their education.

The successful candidate will work with the attendance and pastoral teams, teaching staff, families and senior leaders to identify attendance concerns and ensure that appropriate follow-up takes place.

The Role

The Attendance Officer will monitor daily attendance, maintain accurate records and follow up unexplained absences promptly. The postholder will contact parents and carers to establish reasons for absence, communicate attendance expectations and encourage consistent school attendance.

Responsibilities will include identifying patterns of persistent absence and lateness, preparing attendance reports and highlighting concerns to relevant pastoral leaders. The successful candidate will help coordinate attendance meetings, record agreed actions and monitor progress against attendance improvement plans.

The role will also involve maintaining detailed records of communications and interventions, ensuring that information is recorded accurately and handled confidentially. Working collaboratively with heads of year and safeguarding staff, the Attendance Officer will help identify pupils who may require additional support to attend school regularly.

The successful applicant will contribute to the school's wider attendance strategy by helping establish clear communication with families, following up outstanding concerns and ensuring that cases are escalated appropriately.

Requirements

Applicants should have experience in administration, attendance monitoring, pastoral support or a similar role. Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with parents and carers are essential.

The ideal candidate will be organised, persistent and professional, with the ability to handle sensitive conversations tactfully. Competence in Microsoft Office and database systems is desirable, alongside an understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality.

Previous experience in a school environment would be beneficial.

What the School Offers

The school offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to pupil engagement and achievement. The successful candidate will work alongside a dedicated pastoral team and play a key role in supporting families and improving attendance outcomes.

Application

If you have strong administrative and communication skills and are interested in this Attendance Officer position, please send across your CV.