Holidays in term time

The vast majority of holidays in term time will be unauthorised

There may be exceptional circumstances where holidays in term time are authorised however these would be under very exceptional circumstances and are at the discretion of the Head Teacher

In August 2024, new guidance was issued to schools regarding unauthorised absence.   If a holiday is taken in term time then the absence may be referred to the Local Authority who will process a fixed penalty notice (FPN) which may result in a fine.  This is fully explained in our Attendance Policy here

Each parent who is liable for the pupil can be issued with a penalty notice.

The payment must be paid to the local authority; if the payment is not paid within 28 days then the local authority can decide whether to prosecute or withdraw the notice.

If issued with a first penalty notice, the parent must pay £80 within 21 days or £160 within 28 days.

If a second penalty notice is issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil then the parent must pay £160 if paid within 28 days.

A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil within 3 years of the first penalty notice.  In this case alternative action will be taken which may include court prosecution.