LEAVE OF ABSENCE IN TERM TIME - EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY

Holidays/leave of absence in term time are strongly discouraged by both the government and the school as they disrupt children’s education. Any requests for Leave of Absence should be made in advance by the resident parent via an ‘Application for Leave of Absence Form,’ available to download Here or you can request one from the school office.  It is very important that prior to completing this form, you refer to the following updated information: 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE DURING TERM TIME

The Supreme Court reached a decision in the case of Platt v Isle of Wight Council which has clarified the law on unauthorised leave, including holidays, during term time. The parents of children of compulsory school age are required to ensure that they attend school on a regular basis. The Supreme Court has made clear that attending school ‘regularly’ means that the children must attend school on every day that they are required to do so. As such, the parents of any child who are absent from school without authorisation for any length of time are likely to be considered as committing an offence under s444 of the Education Act 1996.

Head Teachers retain the ability to authorise leave in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006. When considering such requests for a leave of absence, the school are obliged to act within the law. Head Teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application. If the leave is granted, head teachers are able to determine the number of school days a child can be absent for.

It is for the Head Teacher to decide what is ‘exceptional’ and it is at their discretion if the circumstances warrant the leave to be granted. The school can only consider Leave of Absence requests which are made by the ‘resident’ parent.

Each application for a leave of absence will be considered on a case by case basis and on its own merits.

Where applications for leave of absence are made in advance and refused, the child will be required to be in school on the dates set out in the application. If the child is absent during that period, it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. 

Your child’s progress academically as well as socially is our shared priority

Where possible, we also encourage parents not to make routine medical appointments in school time.