Leave of Absence during Term Time

Every school day counts towards your child’s future. Days off school add up to lost learning.

In total there are 175 non-school days a year. This gives families the opportunity to spend time together, visit family, go on holidays and days out and attend routine appointments.

The law says that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time and can only request leave of absence due to exceptional circumstances. If you take your child on holiday during term-time without the schools authorisation this will be recorded as unauthorised absence and could result in action being taken against parents or carers.

Why shouldn’t I take my child on holiday during term time?

Holidaying during term time has a negative effect on a child’s attendance, their learning and their ability to achieve. If your child goes on holiday during term time, their attendance could drop to any of the below:

10 days absence = 95% attendance
19 days absence = 90% attendance
29 days absence = 85% attendance
38 days absence = 80% attendance
47 days absence = 75% attendance

Evidence suggests children with over 90% attendance are more likely to gain 5 or more A-C GCSE's or equivalent qualifications.

How do I request leave of absence?

All requests should be made on a Request for Leave of Absence which is available from your child’s school. You should also submit any evidence to support your request. This should be submitted no later than 21 days before the start of the absence.

Will the school authorise taking my child away during term-time?

The legislation for authorising absence leave of absence requests (holidays) will only be granted for exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher will consider and respond to your request. It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

What happens if the head teacher does not agree my request?

Your child’s absence will be marked as not authorised absence and you will be informed of this
If you proceed to take your child out of school, the Headteacher could request for the Local Authority to issue Penalty Notice
The first time Penalty Notice amount will be: £160 per parent, per child when paid within 28 days.

Reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
The second time penalty notice amount will be: £160 per parent, per child when paid within 28 days.
(No option to pay at £80 level)
Third Offence and any further offences (within 3 years)
The third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued, and the case may be presented straight to the Magistrates Court under s.444 of the Education Act (1996) or other legal interventions considered.

see below attached guides to the new changes for penalty notices that come into force on 19th August 2024