Meet the Attendance team

Sarah Dorrian – Assistant Principal

Our whole school attendance target is 98%. I have been leading on the Academy attendance strategy including the development, implementation and regular review since January 2022. Regular school attendance is an important part of giving children the best possible start in life. Every moment in school counts! I also oversee the pastoral care of Key Stage 3 students as well as all Admissions.

Francesca Purslow – Attendance Improvement Leader

I have been working with and supporting families and young people in schools and the community for over twenty years.

This support has been with a range of issues, including attendance, and any barriers associated with it.

Good attendance in school is so important if students are to achieve their full potential, and along with the rest of the team, I am dedicated and enthusiastic in supporting the students, and families here at the Milton Keynes Academy with this.

I will be working hard to build strong relationships with students and families and support those who find attending school more challenging, so as they feel empowered to make improvements.

I will be joining the rest of the team on home visits and school meetings.

Rachael Hazell – Attendance Improvement Manager

I joined the Attendance Team in April 2023. I am responsible for promoting excellent attendance  and punctuality at MKA as well as reducing levels of absence and lateness. I work directly with children and  families, identifying  students who are at risk of low attendance & to help the team implement supportive strategies. I will be conducting home visits & meetings for families with low attendance in order to identify barriers to support and promote excellent attendance.

Jennifer Grey – Attendance Improvement Coordinator

I joined MKA in April 2022 as Pastoral Administrator after working in education in South Africa for 23 years, prior to moving to the UK. 

I am responsible for providing effective administration support to the Attendance Improvement Team and wider school staff to increase levels of pupil attendance.