As stated in the September 2013 amendment to The Education (Student Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, ‘Leave of Absence during term time, can now only be authorised by the Headteacher, if they are satisfied, that there are exceptional circumstances that warrant the granting of leave when the students should be being educated’.  Please see the Academy’s Attendance Policy for further information and procedure.

The current law does not allow parents/guardians to take their child out of school during term time for holidays.  Parents can be fined for taking their compulsory school age child out of school during term time without consent from the Academy.

To make a request for Leave of Absence

1. Complete the request form below in full at least four weeks prior to the leave being taken and return to the Academy for approval or as soon as you know leave is being taken.
2. The Academy will respond to your request via post and send back your request form with a reply of authorised or denied.

What will happen if the request is refused but the leave of absence is still taken?

The Academy will notify the Local Authority, who may issue a Penalty Notice if the leave exceeds 5 school days.

First offence, the fine is £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days. If this is not paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice the cost rises to £160 per parent, per child which must be paid between 22 and 28 days of receipt of the notice. Second offence within a three-year period, the fine is £160 per parent, per child. If a third offence is committed within the same three-year period, the matter could be sent straight to court with further costs imposed.

If the notice has not been paid in full by 28 days of receipt, the local authority must either prosecute or withdrawn the notice.

Once issued a Penalty Notice may only be withdrawn in the following circumstance:

• Proof has been established that it has been issued to the wrong person.
• The notice ought not to have been issued e.g. where it has been issued outside the terms of the Code of Conduct. 

This prosecution is for the offence of failing to secure attendance at school not for non-payment of the fine.

Prosecutions are brought under S444 of the Education Act 1996.

Parents/carers need to be mindful that a conviction for this offence can result in a criminal record. 

To request leave of absence, complete the form below: