Request for Leave Form

Parents/Carers who would like the Academy to consider granting leave of absence in term time should read these notes carefully, complete the request form and send it to the Principal. The form should also signed by the parent/carer/step-parent who is accompanying the child on leave. The form should be sent to the Principal in time for a request to be considered well before the desired period of absence. Parents/Carers are strongly advised not to finalise any booking arrangements before receiving the Academy’s decision regarding their request. The Principal cannot authorise any leave of absence unless the request is received before the period of absence begins.
The Department for Education makes it clear that the Principal may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Headteachers/Principals now also determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

The Academy, along with Staffordshire County Council understands the challenges that some parents/carers face when booking holidays particularly during school holidays. However, we believe that, in order to ensure children receive the best education and prospects, that they should be in school during term time.

Each case will be considered individually and on its own merits. In considering a request, the Academy will take account of: -

the exceptional circumstances stated that have given rise to the request
the stage of the child’s education and progress and the effects of the requested absence on both elements
the overall attendance pattern of the child
frequency of similar requests
whether the parent/carer made the request in advance
students/pupils on examination courses or due to take SATS will not normally be granted leave of absence.

Where parents/carers have children in more than one school a separate request must be made to each school. The Headteacher/Principal of each school will make their own decision based on the factors relating to the child at their school. However, Headteachers/Principals may choose to liaise with each other as part of their decision-making process.

Should the Academy decide to grant leave of absence, but the child does not return to school at the time s/he was expected to (i.e. following the expiry of the granted leave of absence period) and no information is available to the Academy to explain/justify the continuing absence this absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
Should the Academy decide not to grant leave of absence and parents/carers still take their child out of school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised, which may be subject to a Penalty Notice.

From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country was set at £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. This rate is in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012.

In the case of repeated fines, if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160.
The Local Authority will continue to monitor all school absences during term time and support Headteachers/Principals in challenging parents/carers who ignore the law.

* Generally the DfE states that parents include all those with day to day responsibility for a child.