The Law

Term-Time Holidays

The Law says that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term-time.

In exceptional circumstances however, schools can allow parents to take their child out of class for up to ten days in a school year.

If you take a holiday without the school's permission or if the child fails to return on the agreed date this will be recorded as unauthorised absence (truancy), and noted on the child's attendance certificate. The school may also decide to take the child off roll.

This could result in you having to apply to a different school for your child.

The School's Decision

When deciding whether to allow term-time leave, the school will consider: -

The Child's age
The time and duration of the leave
The child's record of attendance
Previous term-time absences

We recognise that it is often expensive to take a holiday during school breaks, and that is why some parents may ask for term-time leave for their child. However, it is important that parents carefully consider the implications of taking their child out of school during term-time.

There are only 19. There are 175 days (weekends and school holidays) available to use for holidays, which would not have a detrimental effect on your child's education.

Every school day counts!

Parent/Guardian Decision

What you need to consider: -

There are times during a school year when child may experience particular problems because of term-time leave such as: -

Disadvantages if close to exams or tests.
Disadvantages during GCSE exams and Coursework and final Studies in Years 10 & 11.
Settling in problems during the first year at a new school, especially at a period of transition from Year 6 to Year 7 secondary.
Children who need help in certain subjects need to access all the educational support that is offered.
Some children may find it difficult to renew friendships with their classmates when they return to school
Your child may miss out on valuable group work with classmates that cannot be repeated.
It could embarrass and lower your child's self-esteem to have to ask for help to catch up in each lesson.
It could be disruptive for other pupils in lessons, when your child needs extra help to catch up.
Missing "Induction Week", when Year 6 primary pupils visit their new secondary school, to familiarise themselves with the new school layout.
Please consider the unspoken message you are giving your child, by letting them think it is acceptable to miss school. Some young people with severe truancy problems have told us that it all started when they had a week or two off school for a holiday.

If it is absolutely unavoidable

Discuss with the Head Teacher the idea of taking work with you, or how you would help your child to catch up with the missing 50 hours (ten school days) of education.

Perhaps you could help your child with catch up work when you return