In September 2013, the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations were amended to prohibit the Headteacher of a school granting leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance and the Headteacher considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application. If the Headteacher grants a leave request it will be for them to determine the length of time that the child can be away from school.
Leave of absence during term time interrupts continuity of teaching and learning and can disrupt the educational progress of individual children, creating disruption in schools. Promoting regular school attendance is a key component in the Government’s strategy to raise educational standards. In order for children to reach their full potential and access the learning opportunities available to them, children must attend school regularly.
As a parent or carer you are required by law to ensure that your child attends school regularly.
Leave of absence during term time is not an entitlement and will not be granted for the sole purpose of a family holiday. Permission may only be granted by the Headteacher of the school if the application was made in advance (retrospective consent will not be given) and there are exceptional circumstances relating to the request. The parent with whom the child normally resides must provide evidence relating to the exceptional circumstances and include this when completing the leave of absence request form. Each request will be considered on the exceptional circumstances detailed on the application form.
Any absences taken without the Headteacher’s permission will be recorded as unauthorised in the school register and may result in a Penalty Notice or other legal intervention by the Education Inclusion Service.
Term dates for the school can be accessed via the "Term Dates" menu of the school website or by clicking this link.
The document below must be completed and returned to school. This must be a paper copy. If you wish us to print this out for you, just ask the office.
Important Information
If a Penalty Notice does not act as a deterrent and the young person continues to miss his/her education, then prosecution proceedings will be considered for future unauthorised school absences.