School Fines for Holidays: What You Need to Know in 2027

A friend of mine took her two kids to Spain for a week in October half term. Flights were £180 each. She looked at the same week in July. £650 each.

She briefly considered taking them out of school the week before half term instead. Two £80 fines versus an extra £1,880 in flights.

She paid for the July flights. Grudgingly.

How Much Are School Fines?

As of 2027, unauthorised absence fines are:

• £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
• £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days
• Prosecution if not paid after 28 days

So for two parents with two children, that's £320 if you pay promptly. £640 if you don't.

The fine is issued by the local authority, not the school. The school reports the absence. The council sends the penalty notice.

When Do You Get Fined?

You can be fined if your child has unauthorised absences. The threshold is usually 10 sessions (5 days) in a rolling 10-week period.

Unauthorised absence means the school has not approved the time off. This includes:

• Term-time holidays
• Days out or trips
• Absence without explanation
• Arriving after registration has closed (some schools count this as a full absence)

Authorised absences do not count towards fines. This includes:

• Illness (you don't need a doctor's note for short absences)
• Medical appointments that can't be scheduled outside school hours
• Religious observance
• Exceptional circumstances (more on this below)

What Counts as "Exceptional Circumstances"?

This is where it gets murky. The law says absence can be approved for exceptional circumstances. It does not define what "exceptional" means.

Each headteacher decides. Some are strict. Some are lenient. Most are somewhere in the middle.

Examples of circumstances that might be approved:

• Immediate family funeral or serious illness
• Military deployment (parent returning from overseas)
• Significant family event (wedding of immediate family member)
• One-off religious pilgrimage

Examples that will almost certainly not be approved:

• Cheaper flights outside school holidays
• Avoiding peak season prices
• Birthday trips or surprise holidays
• "It's only a few days and they're doing well in school"

How to Request Absence

If you need to take your child out of school, request permission in writing before the absence. Most schools have a form, usually called an "Absence Request Form" or "Leave of Absence Form".

Explain the reason. Be honest. Do not claim illness if you're going to Tenerife. Schools have seen every excuse.

The headteacher will approve or decline in writing. If declined and you take your child out anyway, expect a fine.

Can You Appeal?

Yes, but your grounds for appeal are limited. You can challenge a fine if:

• The absence was actually authorised (school error)
• Your child was not of compulsory school age
• The absence dates are incorrect
• You are not the parent or legal guardian

You cannot appeal on the basis that you disagree with the school's decision not to authorise the absence. That decision is final.

What Happens If You Don't Pay?

After 28 days, the local authority can prosecute. This means magistrates' court, potential criminal record, and a fine of up to £2,500.

Pay the original fine. It's not worth the escalation.

The Bigger Picture

School fines exist because attendance matters. Persistent absence is linked to lower attainment. The government wants children in school.

I understand the frustration. Holiday companies charge extortionate rates during school breaks because they can. Families with average incomes are priced out of holidays unless they break the rules.

The system is not fair. But the fines are real.

If you're juggling school dates, events, and deadlines, My School Agent pulls everything into one daily briefing so you don't miss important dates. Includes term dates, INSET days, and school event reminders. Won't help you avoid the fines, but at least you'll know they're coming.