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Hartley Primary Academy pupil Bodhi Holland achieves 100% attendance for six years

A boy who begged his mum to change a hospital appointment so he wouldn’t miss school has been rewarded for 100% attendance – six years in a row.

Bodhi Holland, 11, has not missed a day at Hartley Primary Academy, in Round Ash Way, since he started Year 1 in September 2010.

His mum Nicola Holland says he suffered “a period of separation anxiety” due to being away from his parents a few months after starting at the school but was helped through it by staff and returned the following September “ready to have a great year”.

Bodhi with principal Sarah Goosani and form teachers Lisa Fewell and Sophie Smith. Picture: Steve Crispe
Bodhi with principal Sarah Goosani and form teachers Lisa Fewell and Sophie Smith. Picture: Steve Crispe

Then in March 2013, when he was in Year 3, Bodhi’s full attendance record looked as if it was coming to an end when he broke his wrist and was given a medical appointment during the school day.

But not even a broken bone was going to stop this youngster going to school.

Mrs Holland said: “He was adamant when his fracture clinic appointment time came through that he would not miss any school.

“So the appointment was re-arranged for as late in the afternoon as the clinic could do so he did not miss any time.”

Bodhi is congratulated by his principal Sarah Goosani. Picture: Steve Crispe
Bodhi is congratulated by his principal Sarah Goosani. Picture: Steve Crispe

Almost exactly two years later the adventurous youngster fell and fractured his collar bone.

Fortunately, it happened at the weekend.

So, yet again, he made it to lessons. His proud mother said: “These events plus a couple of ear infections have not kept Bodhi away from school, through his sheer determination to maintain his 100% attendance.

“He and his sister Summer were even sledged to school one winter.

“His teacher told us at the time her husband had said ‘No one will be at school’ to which she replied ‘I know one little boy that will be!’”

Bodhi’s efforts earned him a trophy, engraved with the words The Bodhi Holland Attendance Cup, which was presented to him in assembly on the last day of term.

He also received a certificate from the Darent Valley Lions Club.

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