Holidays In Term Time:

Taking holidays in term time will affect a child’s schooling as much as any other absence and we expect parents to help us by not taking children away in school time.

There is no automatic entitlement in law to time off in school time to go on holiday.

Amendments to the 2006 regulations make clear that the Headteacher may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher should also determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

Leave of absence in exceptional circumstance:

The Executive Headteacher or Head of School may only grant leave of absence for exceptional circumstances.  The three exceptional circumstances where leave may be granted during term time are as follows:

1. Where it is company/organisational policy for an employee to take leave at a specific time in the year and there is no opportunity for a family holiday in school holidays. This must be evidenced by production of the policy document of the organisation.

2. Service personnel returning from/scheduled to embark upon a tour of duty abroad.

3. An event that cannot be held during the school holidays (this is at the discretion of the Headteacher).

Where there are exceptional and unforeseen circumstances that fall outside of the above, the Executive Headteacher or Head of School will consult with the governing body prior to any authorisation being given to the parent.  Evidence would be required in each case.

If a request meets the above exceptional circumstances but falls within the following times, the Headteacher must be convinced that absence from school is the only option:

1) The first half term of any academic year (applies to all pupils)

2) Any time in May (all pupils).

3) Year six SATs week (pupils in year six)

Examples of circumstances NOT considered as exceptional

• Holidays abroad for the purpose of visiting a sick relative, excepting where that person is seriously ill. Medical evidence may be requested.
• Holidays taken in term time due to lower cost or parental work commitments.