Written questions

Pupils: Attendance

Commons · Question 127289 · Tabled 14 Apr 2026 · Department for Education · Official record

Answered 23 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by Vikki Slade

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the statutory guidance on school attendance to allow exemptions for term-time holiday fines for families where the parents have to work during

Answer

Answered by Olivia Bailey, 23 Apr 2026

The school year is structured so that there are opportunities for holidays outside of term-time. All schools have the discretion to grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances, judging each application on the specific facts. However, generally a h...