Protocols for Requesting Pupil Leave During Term Time
Requesting Leave: Essential Protocols
All requests for term-time leave must be submitted using the official Application for Leave of Absence form which can be found in electronic form on Parent App or paper form from the school office.
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Request Before Booking: You must obtain permission from the Headteacher before taking a child out of school and before confirming or paying for any travel arrangements or expenses.
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Exceptional Circumstances Only: By law, schools can only grant a Leave of Absence in cases of exceptional circumstances, and this decision is at the Headteacher's discretion. The Department for Education (DfE) generally does not consider holidays or recreational absences to be exceptional circumstances.
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Required Evidence: The form includes a section for you to provide details of the exceptional circumstances. It is important that you include any and all relevant supporting evidence (such as official documentation, medical letters, etc.) with your completed form to demonstrate why the leave should be considered exceptional.
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Finality of Decision: Please note that any evidence submitted after the final decision on the leave request has been made cannot be considered or used as grounds for an appeal or change in the outcome. Please ensure your submission is complete.
Early Communication is Key
We understand that difficult family circumstances can arise. I strongly encourage families to contact the Head Teacher as early as possible—ideally before you complete the form—to discuss the proposed absence. This early conversation allows us to consider the situation together and determine the best way forward for your child's education.
Absences taken without permission will be recorded as unauthorised. Unauthorised absences that meet the Local Authority's qualifying trigger may result in a request for a penalty notice.
Thank you for your cooperation and for supporting your child's education by prioritising their attendance.