E-petition 658365 relating to holidays during school term time

This debate pack contains background information on holidays during school term time, as well as some suggested further reading materials which Members may find useful in preparation for this debate.

E-petition 658365 calls for the Government to “Allow students to be taken out of school for two weeks a year without penalty”. The petition closed early due to the General Election on 30 May 2024 with over 250,000 signatures.

The previous government responded to the petition prior to the General Election, issuing a response in May 2024, that said regular school attendance is vital for attainment, wellbeing and development, and although having sympathy for families who wish to avoid busier periods, were clear that children should not miss school for term-time holidays, which causes disruption to teachers and other pupils.

Term time holidays have long been a contentious debate, but discourse has become even more prevalent with the rising cost of living and inflating prices, particularly during school holiday periods.

Policies differ across the four nations as education is a devolved matter. In England, 2013 saw a tightening of the rules, meaning head teachers may not grant leave of absence during term-time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Generally speaking, a family holiday will not count as an exceptional circumstance. Those parents who do not ensure their child attends school without a valid reason can be subject to penalty notices (fines) or prosecution.

The 2013 changes have been unpopular with many parents, resulting in increased media coverage about the issue. The government in 2024 further updated the regulations with penalty notices rising from £60 to £80 when paid within 21 days of the note being received and from £120 to £160 when not paid within the 21 days but paid within 28 days.

The Department for Education have long been clear on the negative effects of a child missing school stating a direct correlation between those who have lower attendance rates and those with lower levels of attainment achieved. Statutory guidance on school attendance has been in place since August 2024.