Unauthorised Absence

The following requests for absence will not be authorised:

• Holiday requests during term-time will not be authorised, unless there are exceptional circumstances;
• Absence request for a child's birthday, 'family reasons', to 'beat the rush hour', 'parents' work commitments', 'cheaper holidays' will not be authorised;
• Any absence at the start of the school term and particularly in September, where the start of the year is so formative, will not be authorised;
• Permission will not be granted for any absence during formal assessment periods or in the run up to Statutory Assessments.    

Authorised Absence

Absence will continue to be authorised for the following reasons:

• Medical and dental appointments, although non-urgent appointments should be scheduled outside school hours where possible
• Illness
• Exams – Dance, Music etc…
• Bereavement
• Religious Observance

The above statements are not exhaustive and it is recognised that there will be times when compelling and exceptional reasons will mean absence from school. 

Schools have a duty to inform the Local Authority if any pupil has 10 days or more unauthorised absence from school. Should overall attendance drop below 85% for whatever reason this will also trigger an investigation from the school's Attendance Officer. If attendance does not improve, legal proceedings may be considered by the Local Authority in accordance with Government Legislation.

Requests which promote children’s educational opportunities, and which may be judged ‘special or exceptional’ will be considered.