A GP cannot issue a certificate of sickness unless they (or a colleague) have actually seen the patient during the illness.
Anyone who is ill for 7 days or less is covered by a self certificate (these SC2 Statements can be had from any Benefits Office or Employer). Doctors are not legally required to issue a medical certificate to cover the first 7 days of any illness.
There is no requirement to issue a doctors certificate for students attending school or college as there is no “occupational need”. Our doctors are only required to provide such a statement under NHS and Department of Work and Pensions regulations for illness absences of 7 days or more, for employment related purposes only.
If a school/college requires an official statement about a student’s absence, a report from their parent/guardian should be accepted by the establishment.
Should a school/college have a particular concern regarding a student’s absence, then a letter (including the written consent of the student or their parent/guardian) should be sent to the GP detailing the reason why they wish a doctor’s report. This private service is not covered by the NHS and therefore will be subject to a fee.
There is absolutely no benefit to either the student or the school/college, of a doctor signing a standard letter or certificate based on inadequate information, regarding past events that cannot be verified.
We are sorry but we are unable to provide advice to individual students on this matter.
A copy of this letter is available as a Word document, as is a poster.
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