Taking children out of school in term time

You do not have the right to take your child on holiday in term time. It is a criminal offence for a parent/carer to 'fail to secure their child's regular attendance at school'.

Head teachers can only give permission to take a child out of school when there are exceptional circumstances. Details about what the school counts as exceptional circumstances are agreed by the Head teacher and Governors.

If you want to take your child out of school, the parent/carer of the child they live with must apply to the school in writing explaining the exceptional circumstances. The Head teacher will decide whether to approve the application. They will then write to you with their decision.

If the Head teacher does not approve the application and you still take your child out of school, the school will record the absence as unauthorised. You may get a Penalty notice.

If a parent/carer does not apply for a leave of absence and/or the school has reason to believe your child has been on holiday during term time, the school may record the absence as unauthorised. You may then get a Penalty notice.

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2024