As school holiday fines reach a record high, parents are struggling to balance their need for a break with the requirement that children attend school during term time. For some families, this means planning trips around quieter periods or facing hefty fines for unauthorized absences.
A record 443,322 school holiday fines were issued in England last year, according to new figures from the Department for Education (DfE). This represents a 24% rise on the previous year and is three times higher than in 2016-17.
School holiday fines are penalties imposed on parents or guardians for non-compliance with school attendance regulations.
These regulations require students to attend classes during designated school holidays, except in exceptional circumstances such as 'illness' or 'family emergencies'.
According to a 2020 survey, over 75% of schools worldwide impose fines ranging from $20 to $100 per unattended day.
In the US, some states have laws requiring schools to notify parents about potential fines and provide exemptions for low-income families.
The purpose of these fines is to ensure students meet minimum attendance requirements, but critics argue they disproportionately affect low-income families.
The impact of ‘school holiday fines’ on families was shared by Sarah, a parent from Leicestershire, with BBC News. She paid a £320 fine for taking her two children on holiday with her partner during school term time. Her 10-year-old son, Tyler, is autistic and has ADHD, and struggles to cope with large groups of tourists during the ‘school holidays‘.
Tyler's health issues refer to the physical and mental well-being challenges faced by Tyler, an American musician.
In 2021, he publicly disclosed his struggles with 'depression' , 'anxiety' , and 'substance abuse' .
According to a report, 1 in 5 adults experience 'mental illness' each year, highlighting the need for mental health awareness and support.
The music industry has been criticized for its handling of artists' mental health, with some calling for better resources and access to care.
Many families face difficulties in balancing their need for a break with the requirement that children attend school during term time. For Sarah‘s family, visiting popular destinations during the school holidays would be too overwhelming for Tyler. As a result, they have to plan their trips around quieter periods during the school term.
While most local authorities saw an increase in holiday fines issued, there was significant variation across England. ‘Barnsley in Yorkshire and the Humber’ had the highest rate of fines at 183 per 1,000 pupil enrolments. Newcastle upon Tyne saw the largest relative rise, with a 1,971% increase from 2022-23 to last year.
The DfE introduced new statutory guidance in August 2024, setting national requirements for issuing school fines. However, it is still up to local authorities to decide when to issue fines to parents. The government says that schools and local authorities will try to provide support to help improve a child’s attendance – but if this is ineffective or the absence is for an unauthorised term-time holiday, parents may face a fine.
According to DfE guidelines, fines rise from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. If a parent receives a second fine for the same child in three years, it costs £160 immediately. For a third unauthorised absence, other action like prosecution is considered, which could result in a fine of up to £2,500.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers, says fines are a ‘crude tool’ and do not address more complex underlying causes of absence. He argues that there needs to be more support for children with special educational needs, as well as more investment in community services, mental health support, and social care.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that fines have a ‘vital place in our system, so everyone is held accountable’ for ensuring children are in school. However, critics argue that the current system fails to provide adequate support for families who need it most.
