Leave of Absence during Term Time

See also the LA ‘Leave of Absence during Term Time Policy’ for more information.

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulation 2006 allows Headteachers the discretion to grant leave of absence during term time if there are “exceptional circumstances.”

Amendments to the 2006 Regulations removed any references to ‘family holiday’ and ‘extended leave’.  The amendments make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

Any leave of absence during term time can be disruptive both to the child's learning and to the school regardless of the reason for the leave.  Schools will only consider authorising leave in term time where both:

• the application is made on schools ‘Request for leave in term time’ form, to the Headteacher in advance of the leave by a parent/carer the child normally lives with. The legislation does not allow for retrospective permission to be granted
• there are exceptional circumstances, as agreed by the Headteacher for the leave and in such circumstances the Headteacher determines the length of any agreed leave in term time.

Applications should be made as far in advance of the leave as possible and parents/carers should seek permission for the leave from the school before they book any holidays.  Headteachers will only agree absence in exceptional circumstances.

 How do schools consider term time holiday requests?

Millbrook Primary School does not support Holidays during term time. Legally, it is entirely the Head teacher’s decision whether to authorise or not