A pupil’s absence during term time seriously disrupts their continuity of learning. Not only do they miss the teaching on the days they are away, but also, they are less prepared for the lessons building on that teaching when they return to school.

The headteacher will only grant a leave of absence to a pupil during term time if the request meets the specific circumstances set out in the 2024 school attendance regulations. These circumstances are:

• Taking part in a regulated performance, or regulated employment abroad
• Attending an interview
• Study leave
•  A temporary, time-limited part-time timetable
• Exceptional circumstances
• A leave of absence is granted at the headteacher’s discretion, including the length of time the pupil is authorised to be absent for

A leave of absence will NOT be granted for the purposes of a family holiday, visiting relatives or friends, birthdays etc.

We will consider each request for term-time absence individually, taking into account the specific facts, circumstances and relevant context behind the request. Any request should be submitted as soon as it is anticipated and, where possible, at least 2 weeks before the absence. The headteacher may require evidence to support any request for leave of absence.

If you choose to take your child out of school during term time without leave of absence being granted, then it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence on the school register. Any leave during term time which is 5 days or more will result in a Penalty Notice (PN) being issued. More information on Penalty Notices can be found here: