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Request for term-time leave of absence for your child (England)
England · in English · for parents
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For a parent in England who needs their child to miss school days in term time. A request to the head teacher under regulation 11 of the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024: it gives the dates and the day of return, explains the circumstances you believe are exceptional, and asks for a written decision before the leave starts. Leave is granted only in exceptional circumstances, and unauthorised absence can lead to a penalty notice of £80 per parent per child, £160 if paid after 21 days. Sent by email or handed in well in advance.
- Made for use in England
- Last updated October 28, 2026
- Document in English
Where a UK document reproduces the words of legislation or of a government publication — UK, Scottish or Northern Irish — it contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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When to use this document
- A family event abroad falls in term time in England and your child needs to miss school.
- You need to take your child out of school for a relative's funeral.
- You are worried about a fine if your child misses school without permission.
- You want to ask the head teacher in writing for leave of absence.
What you fill in
The details the document asks for.
- Sender
- Sender's address
- Town or city
- Sender's postcode
- Date
- School
- School's address
- Recipient's postcode
- Child's name
- Class teacher
- Absent from
- Absent until
- Date of return
- Reason
- Phone
Common questions
- Will a school in England agree to a family holiday in term time?
- Rarely. The regulations in force since 19 August 2024 allow leave of absence only in exceptional circumstances, and government guidance and councils say a family holiday is not normally one. The head teacher decides, case by case, whether the circumstances are exceptional and how many days to allow. Ask well in advance (one council suggests four weeks) and offer evidence of the circumstances.
- How much is the fine for taking a child out of school in England?
- Under the national framework in force since 19 August 2024, a penalty notice is £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. A second notice for the same child within three years is £160 with no reduction, and there is no third notice within three years: the council considers other action, such as prosecution. A notice is considered once unauthorised absence reaches 10 sessions (half-days) within 10 school weeks.
- Can I challenge a refusal of leave or a penalty notice in England?
- There is no appeal against a head teacher's refusal of leave; if you think the request was not properly considered, use the school's complaints procedure. A penalty notice cannot be appealed either, but the council can withdraw one issued in error, for example to the wrong person. If a notice is not paid, the council may prosecute, and you can then put your case to the magistrates' court.
How you can sign this document
- Print it and sign by hand. The signature lines in the document are left blank on purpose — sign on them in ink.
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