Your County - Putting Kent First

Kent 4 star Council

Have I the right to take my child out of school for a holiday during term time?

The simple answer to this is No.

Pupils absence during term time can seriously disrupt their continuity of learning. Not only do they miss the teaching provided on the days that they are away, but they are also less prepared for lessons after their return.

This can create the risk of poor results for your child. If you want your child to be away from school on a family holiday for up to two weeks (10 school days), you need to ask the school to approve the absence, at least two weeks in advance. This can however be refused and, if not agreed by the Headteacher will be classed as unauthorised absence.

It is particularly important that you do not plan for your child to be absent during the run up to SAT's and examinations at 16+. Such absence would mean that your child is not assessed and this may affect your child's progress.

Copyright Kent County Council 2009