Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to their educational progress.

A pupil who takes 10 days absence will only attain 94.7% attendance in the year. They will also miss 50 hours of education.

There is NO entitlement for parents to take their child out of school during term time for a holiday. However, you may apply to the school for leave of absence if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.

Requests for exceptional circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. If the Head Teacher does not consider the reasons for absence as exceptional circumstances, and you decide to take the leave, the absence will be marked as unauthorised and a referral will be made to the Education Support Service, who may issue a penalty notice or consider other legal action. 

From August 2024, the National framework for penalty notices for absences has been updated.  

First offence
The first time a penalty notice is issued, the fine amount will be £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days, reduced to £80 if paid within the first 21 days.
 
Second offence (within 3 years)
The second time a penalty notice is issued, the amount will be £160 per parent, per child, payable within 28 days.  The lower rate is not an option.
 
Third offence and any further offences (within 3 years)
The third time an offence is committed, for term time leave or irregular attendance, a penalty notice will not be issued, and the case presented straight to the Magistrates court. Magistrates can fine up to £2,500 per parent, per child.

Cases found guilty in Magistrates court can show on the parents future DBS certificate due to failure to safeguard a child’s education.

It is essential for your child to be in school regularly to benefit fully from their educational opportunities.  Good attendance will ensure that your child can reach their full potential.

To make a request for leave of absence.

Parents should complete a leave of absence form at least 4 weeks in advance of the absence. 

Complete the Pupil Leave of absence online form below:

The Pupil Leave of absence form can also be collected from reception, completed and returned to the school.

The school will then write to you within 5 days to notify you if the request will be authorised or unauthorised.