Term Time Leave

Pupils are not allowed to take holiday in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

It is very rare that any holiday would be authorised. Good attendance is key to pupils making good progress and taking chunks of time out to go on holiday can significantly hamper progress. Therefore, we request that no child takes holiday during term time.

For the DFE statutory guidance on school attendance please click on the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence/overview

Amendments to the 2006 regulations were made by the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and come into force on 1 September 2013.
The amendments make it clear that Headteachers can only grant leave of absence during term time for exceptional circumstances. All reference to a holiday and/or extended leave, including the threshold of ten school days is removed. Any request for leave must be made in writing for the attention of the Headteacher in advance.

There may be other exceptional circumstances where you can ask to take your child out of school. Your school will consider each application and may let you take your child out of school. 

Holidays in term time

A holiday is generally not considered an exceptional circumstance. You cannot usually take your child away during term time.

• In expecting parents and carers to make sure that children and young people attend school regularly. Any absence from school will impact on educational achievement, success in later life and longer term health and well being
• In ensuring the law is upheld. Parents and carers are committing an offence if they fail to ensure the regular and punctual attendance at school of their child. Schools must explain their stance on term time leave in their attendance policy so parents/carers are clear on expectations and potential consequences, such as any unauthorised absence including taking term time leave not agreed with the school, can result in a Penalty Notice being issued to each parent for each child. Any Penalty Notice unpaid is taken to Magistrates Court as failure to secure the regular attendance of their child. If found guilty of such an offence, they might receive a criminal conviction and a potential fine of up to £1,000

SC cannot override a school’s decision not to authorise any term time leave. There is no right of appeal.

Taking a child on holiday in term time interrupts the learning of the whole class. Teachers have to spend time helping children catch up when they return. Parents should arrange holidays for the 13 week school holiday periods. Schools are open 190 days which leaves 175 days of the year for a holiday.

If you would like a Term Time Leave form, please come into the school office to collect one.