### Schoolgirl’s Flawless Attendance Through Tough Times Celebrated by Welsh Community
At a time when school attendance rates across Wales are a growing concern for educators and parents alike, one pupil from St Asaph has defied the trend, capturing the admiration of her teachers, local leaders, and community. Renesmai, a dedicated pupil from Ysgol Esgob Morgan, has completed her entire primary education without ever missing a single day of school—a feat made even more impressive given the challenges many families face each year.
Letters home about missed days and pleas from schools to prioritise attendance are a familiar experience for many families. Figures show that in the academic year 2023-2024, the average attendance rate for primary schools in Wales was just over 92%, with persistent absenteeism – defined as missing ten per cent or more of school sessions – affecting roughly one in four students. Against this backdrop, Renesmai’s perfect record from reception right through to year six stands out as a truly extraordinary accomplishment.
Renesmai, whose surname remains private at her family’s request, lives six miles away from her school in rural Denbighshire. The journey between home and Ysgol Esgob Morgan has not always been straightforward. On days when public transport was unavailable, particularly during a recent bus strike, her mother, Olivia, pedalled both Renesmai and her younger sister to school, using nothing but her bicycle and a trailer—braving unpredictable Welsh weather and the logistical obstacles it posed.
Headteacher Tim Redgrave expressed immense pride in his student. “Renesmai embodies the very best of what we hope our pupils can achieve. Her positive outlook towards every aspect of school life is unmatched. She is always willing to try her hand at anything and commits wholeheartedly to every task,” he commented, highlighting the importance of recognising exceptional effort even when circumstances vary widely from pupil to pupil.
Mr Redgrave was careful to acknowledge that many children face unavoidable hurdles such as illness or familial responsibilities, which can prevent perfect attendance. However, he believes it’s equally vital to celebrate such unique dedication where it does occur. “What Renesmai and her mother have shown is the impact of perseverance and the fundamental value of education,” he added. “It’s a shining example of resilience and determination that deserves acknowledgement.”
To honour Renesmai’s achievement, representatives from the Denbighshire County Council, including Geraint Davies, head of education, and Councillor Diane King, lead member for education, children, and families, visited the school before the term concluded. The dignitaries presented her with a special certificate, applauding her unwavering commitment and the family support that made it possible.
Councillor King echoed the community’s sentiment, saying, “This is a truly exceptional milestone, reflecting not only on Renesmai’s dedication but also on her family’s backing and the culture of learning fostered at Ysgol Esgob Morgan. It is rare to see such devotion sustained through all the ups and downs of primary school life.”
Renesmai’s story is a reminder of the collective effort often required to value regular school attendance in any community—where resilience, parental support, and school encouragement go hand in hand. Her accomplishment offers inspiration to other pupils and families, especially at a time when external pressures and disruptions have made consistent attendance more challenging than ever.
As policymakers and school leaders strive to address persistent absenteeism, the example set by Renesmai and her family highlights not just what’s possible, but also the importance of community in overcoming obstacles to education. Through determination and a shared belief in the power of learning, one Welsh schoolgirl has left a lasting impression on all those around her.