With the turn to colder weather, some families are considering traveling abroad in the upcoming months to enjoy warm weather and sunshine. The rising cost of international trips during school holidays may have made it challenging for many households to plan a summer vacation this year.
While the Department for Education emphasizes the importance of consistent school attendance, some parents might be contemplating taking their children out of school to make a holiday financially feasible. However, unauthorized absences can result in significant fines under Section 444 of the Education Act in England.
In a 2017 ruling, the Supreme Court defined “regular attendance” as adherence to school rules. Taking a child aged between five and 16 out of school during term time without approval from the headteacher constitutes an unauthorized absence. Schools are mandated to consider issuing fines if a child accumulates ten or more unauthorized absences.
As of August 2024, fines for unauthorized absences were increased to £80 if settled within 21 days and £160 if paid within 28 days. These fines apply per parent and per child, with non-payment potentially leading to court action. A second fine within a three-year period for the same child incurs a higher penalty of £160.
Parents are limited to two fines within any three-year span, with further breaches possibly resulting in a parenting order or court proceedings with fines up to £2,500. The DfE specifies specific circumstances where children can miss school, including illness, religious observance, outstanding circumstances with prior permission, transportation issues, or belonging to a gypsy/traveler family with work-related travel constraints.
Funds raised from fines for unauthorized absences are utilized by local authorities for system administration costs and attendance support, with any surplus returning to the government.