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Request for term-time leave of absence for your child (Wales)
Wales · in English · for parents
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For a parent in Wales who needs their child to miss school days in term time. A request to the head teacher under the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010: it gives the dates and the day of return, explains the reason, and asks for a written decision before the leave starts. The school decides each request on its merits and may allow up to ten school days a year for a holiday; absence it does not authorise can lead to a £60 penalty notice from the council, £120 if paid after 28 days. Sent by email or handed in well in advance, in English or in Welsh.
- Made for use in Wales
- 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
- You want to take the family on holiday during term time in Wales.
- A relative abroad is getting married in term time and your child needs to miss school.
- Your job only lets you take leave during the school term.
- You want to ask the head teacher in writing for leave, in English or in Welsh.
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
- Can a school in Wales agree to a holiday in term time?
- It can. Under regulation 7 of the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010, the school may grant leave for a holiday when a parent with whom the child normally lives asks, for no more than ten school days in a school year save in exceptional circumstances. The Welsh Government asks schools to consider each request on its merits, and says parents should not expect leave to be agreed. Ask in writing and well before the dates.
- Can I be fined for a term-time holiday in Wales?
- Yes, if the absence is not authorised. Councils in Wales issue penalty notices under the Education (Penalty Notices) (Wales) Regulations 2013, following their own code of conduct, which sets when a notice is considered, for example after a number of half-day sessions of unauthorised absence in a term. The penalty is £60 if paid within 28 days and £120 if paid within 42 days; if it is not paid, the council can prosecute for the child's non-attendance.
- Can I write to the school in Welsh, and what if leave is refused?
- Yes: schools in Wales accept letters in Welsh as well as English. There is no appeal against a head teacher's refusal of leave; if you think the request was not properly considered, use the governing body's complaints procedure. If the child is taken out of school anyway, the absence is recorded as unauthorised and can count towards a penalty notice.
How you can sign this document
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