Why Attendance Matters
School isn’t just about lessons — it’s about your future and your wellbeing, you deserve the chance to do well — and going to school regularly helps make that happen.
Going to school regularly helps you:
- Make friends and feel part of things
- Learn about the world
- Build confidence and life skills
- Work out what you want to do in the future
- Get the qualifications you’ll need
Every day in school is a step towards your goals, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
What does the Attendance Team actually do?
We work with you, your school, and your family to understand what’s making school difficult. Together, we help remove those barriers so getting to school becomes easier and less stressful.
Finding School Difficult?
Many young people struggle with school at some point. You are not alone.
Whether you’re feeling worried, overwhelmed, exhausted or simply don’t want to go, there is support available.
I feel anxious about going to school
Lots of young people feel this way. YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds is a site with guides on school anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, building confidence and how to talk to adults about how you are feeling.
I’m tired or struggling with mornings
Morning routines can be tough, little changes can make your mornings easier: Get things ready the night before, your bag, uniform and homework, so you can start your morning calmly; Try a good sleep routine, try to limit phone or screen time a short time before going to bed as well as going to be at the same time helps you wake up feeling better; Set an alarm (or multiple) and ask someone at home to also help wake you; and give yourself enough time to travel, rushing can make you feel stressed before the day even begins.
I don’t feel like I fit in
Feeling left out is hard. Off The Record – Sutton is a free counselling service for ages 11 – 25, offering a friendly, confidential place to talk about how you feel. You can choose face‑to‑face, online, or text‑based support.
Things at home are making school hard
Whatever is happening at home, you don’t have to face it alone. There are people in Sutton who will listen, support you, and help you feel safe. Here are some confidential helplines that are safe, free, and available whenever you need them:
The Mix – 0808 808 4994 (under 25s)
Childline – 0800 1111 (for under 18s)
Shout – Text YM to 85258 for 24/7 support
Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership – Mental Health provides info and signposting if you feel unsafe at home, or if someone you know might be struggling.
You’re Not Alone
Lots of young people struggle with school at times. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and able to learn. If school is tough right now, talking to someone is a brave first step.
Looking After Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Watch this short animation explaining what mental health is and how to look after it We All Have Mental Health.
Everyone has times when they feel stressed, sad, angry or overwhelmed. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
You might find these services helpful:
- Off The Record (OTR) . Free counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25.
- Kooth – is an online mental wellbeing community for young people that have articles, personal journals and people that you can talk to in their team
- Young Minds – has practical advice, help and real stories to find support for a range of topics affecting young people including; school anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, building confidence and how to talk to adults about how you are feeling.
- On My Mind – guides to understanding your feelings, aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.
- EBSA Help – To help you if you have concerns about going to school, Somerset County Council have guidance available for older children and young people.