When are pupils allowed to miss school?
Pupils of compulsory school age (from the term after turning 5 until the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16) can legally miss school when they're mentally or physically unwell, or when the school has given permission in advance.
Some other types of absence also count as authorised – see the legal requirements of school attendance for more information.
Headteachers are responsible for:
- Giving permission for absence, but should only do this in ‘exceptional circumstances’
- Deciding what counts as an exceptional circumstance and how many days' absence to permit
- Considering each request individually, including the facts and circumstances. They shouldn’t automatically grant leave for certain events or circumstances
Schools are expected to exhaust all other options before using penalties If a pupil misses school illegally, each parent can be fined £80 (rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days). Penalties should only