What about taking leave during term time to go on holiday?
What about taking leave during term time to go on holiday? It is highly unlikely that a leave of absence will be granted for the purposes of a family holiday. Only the most exceptional circumstances warrant authorised absence. Each application will be considered individually, considering the specific facts and circumstances and relevant background context behind the request. If a leave of absence is authorised, it is the head teacher’s job to determine the length of time the pupil can be away from school. It is important that parents and carers are aware that they are not legally entitled to take their children out of school for the purposes of a family holiday during term time. This has been the case since September 2023, when amendments were made to the School Attendance Regulations (2006). These removed references to family holidays and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments made clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
