Attendance Officer – Secondary School – Preston

A well-regarded secondary school in Preston is seeking a proactive and detail-focused Attendance Officer to join its busy pastoral and administrative team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands the importance of strong attendance and punctuality and who enjoys working with families, pupils and staff to remove barriers and support engagement. The school has clear routines, a strong safeguarding culture and consistent systems that support calm learning environments. Attendance is a key whole-school priority, and this role plays a vital part in ensuring pupils are present, safe and ready to learn each day. About the Role As Attendance Officer, you will support the effective monitoring and improvement of attendance and punctuality across the school. You will work closely with pastoral leaders, safeguarding staff and senior leaders to ensure attendance concerns are identified early and followed up consistently. Key responsibilities will include: Monitoring daily attendance and punctuality, ensuring accurate recording and swift follow-up Making first-day calls and maintaining clear records of communications and outcomes Identifying patterns of absence and supporting targeted attendance action plans Working with families to address barriers to attendance and promote strong routines Supporting attendance meetings and contributing to persistent absence strategies Liaising with external agencies and local authority teams where appropriate Producing reports and attendance information to support decision-making Ensuring attendance systems support safeguarding and pupil wellbeing at all times This is a role where strong organisation matters, but so does the ability to communicate clearly, sensitively and consistently with families and colleagues. The Team You will join a supportive team that works closely across pastoral, safeguarding and administration to ensure pupils are well supported. The school values professionalism, teamwork and clear communication, and the Attendance Officer plays a central role in helping systems run smoothly and consistently. Training and support will be available to ensure you feel confident with school processes, reporting systems and attendance procedures. About the School This Preston secondary school has a positive learning culture supported by consistent routines and clear expectations. Leaders prioritise safeguarding and wellbeing, and staff work in partnership with families to promote attendance, engagement and achievement. The school is committed to inclusion and works hard to ensure pupils facing challenges are supported through strong pastoral care and targeted intervention. Staff benefit from a supportive working environment where contribution, care and professionalism are highly valued. Key Information Location: Preston Start Date: ASAP / next term (or by agreement) Contract: Full-time, permanent (or as agreed) Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience What the School is Looking For The successful candidate will ideally have: Experience in attendance, administration, pastoral support or a similar role Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with parents, pupils and staff Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with accurate record keeping Confidence using IT systems, including spreadsheets and database-style systems Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries A calm, consistent approach and the ability to manage competing priorities School-based experience is desirable but not essential for candidates with strong transferable skills and a genuine interest in supporting pupil engagement. Why Join This School Key role supporting pupil engagement and safeguarding Supportive pastoral and admin teams with clear routines and systems Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on attendance and pupil outcomes Welcoming school community with a strong focus on wellbeing and progress A varied and purposeful role at the heart of school life This is an excellent opportunity for an Attendance Officer who wants to play a vital role in supporting pupils to attend regularly, engage positively and achieve their potential in a Preston secondary school.