Following changes to legislation introduced by the Department for Education 
(DfE) in August 2024, schools are now required to treat requests for term-time 
leave — such as holidays — as unauthorised unless there are exceptional 
circumstances. In such cases, a penalty notice must be considered. 
Exceptional circumstances are typically unavoidable, one-off events. Holidays 
taken for leisure or recreation do not meet this threshold. 

If you believe your request involves exceptional circumstances, please discuss it 
with your child’s Headteacher. Schools must consider each application 
individually, taking into account the specific facts and background of the request. 
If leave is granted, the Headteacher will determine the number of days permitted. 
Please note: 

• All requests must be made in advance by the parent/carer with whom the 
• child normally resides. 
• The decision to authorise or unauthorise absence rests solely with the 
• Headteacher. 
• Schools may apply to the Local Authority for a penalty notice to be issued for 
• unauthorised leave. 

Once issued , there is no statutory right of appeal. The Local Authority may only withdraw a notice if it was issued incorrectly. 
If the penalty is not paid within the required timeframe, the Local Authority 
will initiate legal proceedings. 

If you disagree with the Headteacher’s decision, you should follow the school’s 
complaints policy. 

Any parent who wishes to discuss the possibility of having time off school, such as booking a holiday, must first complete the Application for Leave of Absence from School during term time (see attachment below).  Please be aware that these changes to the regulations mean that in almost all cases it will no longer be possible to authorise the absence.  Unauthorised absence may result in a fine or legal action.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.