‘It’s a brilliant example of resilience that we’re proud to recognise’
While school attendance rates are causing headaches across Wales one pupil has finished primary without missing a single day. Ysgol Esgob Morgan pupil, Renesmai, ended term with an 100% attendance throughout her entire time at primary school, from reception to the end of year six.
Renesmai, who lives six miles from her school in St Asaph, Denbighshire, and whose surname has not been provided, was in class every single day of the academic year.
Even during a bus strike her mum, Olivia, cycled her and her younger sister to school in a trailer on the back of her bike in all weathers. Read here about the challenges faced by schools in giving children a healthy start in life.
Ysgol Esgob Morgan headteacher Tim Redgrave, said: “We are incredibly proud of Renesmai.
“Her attitude to all aspects of school life are second to none. She will have a go at anything and everything and give her all in doing so.” For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
Mr Redgrave added: “I fully recognise that not all children are able to achieve 100% attendance—many face medical or personal challenges, and we always approach those with care and understanding.
“However, that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating when a pupil accomplishes something truly exceptional like this.”
In Wales, maintaining full attendance across all years of primary school is rare.
The average primary school attendance rate for 2023 – 2024 was an average of 92.1% and around one in four pupils were persistently absent—meaning they missed at least 10% of school sessions.
Mr Redgrave added: “What Renesmai, and her mum have shown is the power of perseverance, consistency, and the value of education.
“It’s a brilliant example of resilience that we’re proud to recognise.”
Renesmai had an 100% attendance at reception at St Asaph Primary and then 100% also through years one to six at Ysgol Esgob Morgan.
To mark this milestone, before term ended, Renesmai had a visit and received a certificate from Geraint Davies, head of education at Denbighshire County Council and Councillor Diane King, lead member for education, children and families.
Cllr King said: “This is a remarkable and rare achievement, which is a testament to Renesmai and her family’s dedication and commitment to learning.”
