All year groups · Attendance

School attendance and term-time holidays

Children in England must attend school every day unless they are too ill or the school has approved the absence. Here's what counts as authorised, why term-time holidays are a problem, and what happens when attendance drops.

  • Every day attendance is expected
  • Term time holidays are generally not authorised
  • Warnings come first, before any penalty

What you need to know

  1. Absence is authorised only in some cases. Your child can be off if they are too ill to attend, or if the school has approved the absence in advance. Schools consider other exceptional circumstances one at a time.
  2. Term-time holidays are usually not allowed. Holidays are generally not treated as exceptional, so you usually cannot take your child away during term time, even if it is cheaper.
  3. Ask the school before you book. If your family's situation is exceptional, ask the headteacher in writing before the dates. A decision after the trip is much harder to change.
  4. Penalties can follow. Parents can be given a fixed penalty notice (a fine) or face legal action for repeated unauthorised absence. You will usually get warnings and offers of help from the council first.
  5. Attendance matters for learning. Missed lessons make the next topic harder to follow. Regular attendance is one of the most useful things you can give your child.

What to do, step by step

Talk to the school early

If health, travel or family circumstances make attendance hard, the school can often help before it becomes a problem.

Plan holidays around school breaks

Use the term dates from your council's website, and book after they are published.

Ask how absence is recorded

Know which days count against attendance, so you are not surprised later.

Keep letters and medical notes

If your child is ill, let the school know the same day, and keep any appointment letters.

Questions parents ask

Can I take my child out of school for a week to visit family abroad?

Usually not. Term-time holidays are generally not authorised, so the school can refuse and the absence can count against attendance. Ask the school in writing before you book; if it still refuses, ask the council for advice.

My child is anxious and doesn't want to go to school. What should I do?

Speak to the class teacher or the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) as early as you can, and ask about a plan for a gradual return. A GP can help if there is a health concern.

We're new to England. Do the same rules apply to us?

Yes. The rules apply to all children of compulsory school age in England, whatever country you came from. Ask the school if anything is unclear.

Source: GOV.UK, school attendance and absence
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