Time off school for family holidays is not a right. Schools have discretion to allow up to 10 days absence in a school year for a
family holiday if they believe that the circumstances warrant it.
Holidays which are taken for the following reasons should not be authorised:
availability of cheap holidays;
availability of the desired accommodation;
poor weather experienced in school holiday periods; and
overlap with beginning or end of term.
It is for head teachers to determine if the request is reasonable.
Special circumstances and exceptional circumstances
Special circumstances
Schools may agree up to 10 days holiday leave. For example:
for service personnel and other employees who are prevented from taking holidays outside term-time if the holiday will have
minimal disruption to the pupil's education; and
when a family needs to spend time together to support each other during or after a crisis.
Exceptional circumstances
Schools can approve more than 10 days holiday leave - called extended leave of absence or extended holidays. However, parents are
advised to discuss with the school whether their plans could be changed to overlap with school holidays and thereby reduce the effect on
their child's education.