It follows the steep increase in fines, which now reach up to £2,500 with parents and guardians potentially facing a criminal record. Figures show a 950% rise in fines – or a tenfold leap – from the 2020/21 figures.
Once a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government responds, and if 100,000 people sign, a debate in Parliament is considered.
The petition says: “We’re seeking reform to the punitive policy for term time leave that disproportionately impacts families that are already under immense pressure and criminalises parents that we think are making choices in the best interests of their families. No family should face criminal convictions.”
The link to it is here – but it has now reached its six month limit so new signatures can no longer be added.
This would bring the law in England largely into line with the system in Wales, where headteachers can authorise absences for pupils to go on holiday not for more than 10 days.
£41 million in fines for term-time holidays were issued to UK parents and guardians between 2022 and 2024.
However, it can still be cheaper for families to go away in term-time. Is it time to stop the fines for taking kids out of school to go on holiday? pic.twitter.com/nk0eEDYR1g
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) April 29, 2025
There is growing concern over unaffordable peak-season travel costs, with many parents saying a term-time trip is the only way they can afford to go away as a family, or that their working patterns mean they cannot book time off in school holidays.
Unauthorised school absences soared in the 2023/24 academic year, government data shows. According to the Department for Education, Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for term-time holidays have reached a record high of 487,344 in the latest reporting period.
Of these, 443,322 were directly linked to unauthorised term-time holidays—a staggering 138% increase from the 186,281 issued in 2021/22.
This data marks a dramatic tenfold increase (950% rise) from the 2020/21 pandemic low of 45,809 of unauthorised absences.
What is the fine for taking children out of school for holidays in term time?
In England, the fine is £60 per child, per parent, if paid within 21 days. For a family with two children and two parents, this initial fine can total £240 — an amount that may quickly escalate if deadlines are missed. If payment is delayed and made between day 22 and day 28, that £240 becomes £480, and after that it can lead to prosecution.
Head of Legal Operations and UK lawyer at Lawhive, Daniel McAfee says: “There is often a misconception that these fines are issued at the school’s discretion or can simply be avoided through informal agreements.
“That is not the case. Local authorities are empowered under the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007 to issue FPNs when attendance laws are breached, and schools are legally obliged to report unauthorised absences.”
Schools are responsible for maintaining attendance records and distinguishing between authorised and unauthorised absences. Generally speaking, authorised absences include instances such as illness, medical appointments, or religious observance—provided the school is notified and grants permission.
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However, taking a child out of school during term time for a holiday without prior authorisation is typically recorded as unauthorised. That distinction has become increasingly relevant in recent years.
Many families are unaware of how quickly an unauthorised absence can lead to legal consequences.
“Typically, local authorities and schools will engage with families first and attempt to understand the reasons behind poor attendance,” says Daniel.
“However, if those conversations do not result in improvement, legal enforcement may follow. The aim is to ensure children do not miss out on their education unnecessarily.”
For parents dealing with broader challenges—whether related to health, emotional wellbeing, or other difficulties—it is advisable to seek advice early.
“If a parent is facing difficulties meeting their child’s educational obligations, legal guidance can help clarify their rights and responsibilities, support dialogue with the school, or even contest an FPN where appropriate,” says Daniel. “In most circumstances, proactive engagement makes a tangible difference.”
The sanctions for repeated term-time holidays can be significant:
- A criminal record
- A fine of up to £2,500
- A parenting order or community sentence
- In exceptional cases, a custodial sentence of up to 3 months
“While prosecution is considered a last resort, it must be said that the courts will treat non-compliance seriously where previous interventions have failed,” says Daniel.
“My advice to any parent in this position is to act promptly — whether that means paying the fine, requesting a review, or providing evidence of mitigating circumstances.”
