Holidays taken in term time should be the exception rather than the rule. Each school will have its own policy on this sort of absence, and should publish this on their website. For all schools, please remember the following:
- Only the headteacher can grant permission for absence during term time.
- There have to be exceptional circumstances. This does not include the cost of travelling, or arrangements made by friends or other family members.
- It is extremely unlikely that you will get permission for absence when your child is preparing for or taking exams.
- You will need to give reasonable notice of any planned absence. Schools will state the minimum time in their policy on absence. Please consult them directly, as far as possible before you plan for your child to be absent.
- Retrospective applications (applying for permission after the absence) are not allowed in any school under any circumstances.
Warning If your child misses school because of an unauthorised holiday, each parent may get a penalty notice for each child*. The fine for each notice is £160, with 28 days to pay (reduced to £80 if you pay within 21 days). If you don't pay your fines, we may prosecute you, which could lead to penalties that are higher than the original fines, and other sanctions imposed by the court.
*Schools will issue penalty notices separately to each parent, and for each child. For example, a family with two parents and two children taking unauthorised absence would receive the following penalties:
Parent 1 = 1 penalty for child A plus 1 penalty for child B = 2 penalties
Parent 2 = 1 penalty for child A plus 1 penalty for child B = 2 penalties
Total payable by the family = 4 penalties (or £640)