DfE regulations on reducing unauthorised absence from school
Schools can authorise absence only in exceptional circumstances. If taking your child out of school is unavoidable, it is imperative that they make every effort to catch up with missed work on their return.
As a school, our target is to reduce the number of learning days lost through absence and all students are given an attendance target of 97% as a minimum. The school accepts no responsibility for any loss of learning or progress resulting from term-time absence.
There is no general right to authorise absence for a family holiday. Parents/carers must ask permission for their child to be absent during term time, and it is at the Headteacher’s discretion to decide if the absence will be authorised. The Headteacher may authorise absence for leave only in exceptional circumstances. If you take your child out of school without permission, the absence will be unauthorised and we will consider legal action. You are advised not to make any arrangements until your request has been considered.
If your child is absent and you have not received advance permission from the Headteacher to take your child out of school, the school and local council may take action. These measures can include:
From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country is £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. This rate is in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012. Please do not be surprised if you receive a penalty fine in the event your child misses 10 or more sessions in a 10-week period without authorisation.
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Who may be fined? Penalty Notice Fines are issued to each parent who allows their child to be absent from school. For example: 3 siblings absent for term time leave, would result in each parent who allowed the holiday receiving 3 separate fines.
National Threshold There will be a single consistent national threshold for when a penalty notice must be considered by all schools in England of 10 sessions (usually equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period. For example: a 5 day holiday would meet the national threshold. The 10-school week period can span different terms or school years.
First Offence The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for an unauthorised term time holiday the fine amount will be: £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days. Increasing to £160 if paid between days 22-28.
Second Offence (within 3 years) The Second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be: £160 per parent, per child, payable within 28 days.
Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years) The third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued and local authorities will need to consider other available measures to address the absence concerns. This may mean that cases are presented before a Magistrate’s Court. If convicted, sanctions can include a fine of up to £2,500 and a prison sentence of up to 3 months, and you will have a criminal record.
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You can download the Leave of Absence Request Form below.
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