Last updated:
31st October 2023
Holidays in Term-Time & Penalty Notices
You have to get permission from the Head Teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.
You can only do this if:
- You make an application to the Head Teacher in advance
- There are exceptional circumstances
The Department of Education issued to schools that as of September 2013 holidays in term time should only be authorised if there are “exceptional” circumstances.
The school Head Teacher will determine whether the circumstances are exceptional or not. Please note that there is no automatic right to take a holiday in term time. The Head Teacher will decide how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.
Should you feel that you have “exceptional” reasons for applying, please contact your child’s school at the earliest opportunity and use the appropriate school form. Whilst the cost of a holiday might be an issue it is not considered to be sufficient to be an exceptional reason.
Please be aware that unauthorised holiday absence of 5 days or more can now result in the issuing of a Penalty Notice which carries a fine of £60 or if not paid after 21 days then the fine is doubled to £120 and court prosecution if unpaid after 28 days. Penalty Notices are served per parent, per child.