Department for Education Figures Show Record High for Term-time Holiday Fines

Term-time holiday fines rose by 4% in 2024–25 compared with the previous year and made up 93% of all penalties for unauthorised absence. The figures are the first to reflect rule changes introduced in 2024, which increased the standard fine from £60 to £80 per parent, per child.

The government says fines remain “a vital part of our system”, arguing that term-time holidays disrupt learning not only for individual pupils but for entire classes.

Regional differences

Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the highest rate of fines, with 103 penalty notices per 1,000 pupils – a slight fall on the previous year. London, which has the lowest rate, saw a small rise to 36 per 1,000 pupils.

Because fines are issued by local councils, rates have historically varied widely between areas. A national framework introduced in 2024 aimed to create greater consistency in how penalties are applied.

Families weigh cost savings against learning loss

While travelling during term time can save families thousands of pounds, school leaders warn that missing lessons can have lasting effects on children’s progress and wellbeing.

Chris, a 42-year-old RAF officer from Staffordshire, said his military commitments prevent him from travelling during school holidays. In June 2025, he took his children out of school for five days for their first overseas holiday, to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt.

He was fined by Staffordshire County Council but successfully appealed, supported by a letter from his military superiors.

Chris said the trip provided valuable life skills and cultural awareness that outweighed the missed school days.

A council spokesperson said that while exceptional circumstances are rare, cases are considered individually. In this instance, the fine was withdrawn after sufficient evidence relating to military service was provided.

What are the rules?

Under DfE guidance issued in August 2024:

• Schools must consider issuing a fine if a child misses five or more unauthorised days;

• Fines are £80 if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days, per parent per child;

• A second fine for the same child within three years costs £160 immediately; and

• A third offence can lead to prosecution, with fines of up to £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months.

Revenue from fines goes to the local authority.

Teachers question effectiveness

Darren Morgan, headteacher of Kings Road Primary in Manchester, said he understands why families seek cheaper holidays but warned that even a week’s absence can create learning gaps and make returning to school difficult.

Lee Parkinson – known as Mr P – a Manchester primary teacher with a large social media following, described fines as a “blunt tool”. He argued that improving attendance requires early support, better access to mental health services, practical help such as transport and breakfast provision, and more consistent approaches across councils.

Wider debate

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said absence can result in lost learning but warned that fines are an overly simplistic response to a complex issue.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said evidence clearly shows that time out of the classroom harms attainment and future prospects, yet questioned whether fines are acting as an effective deterrent.

A DfE spokesperson said attendance is fundamental to giving every child the best start in life, adding that while support is being expanded to tackle barriers to attendance, fines remain an important accountability measure.

A record 459,288 penalty notices for unauthorised school absences were issued in England last year, according to new data from the Department for Education (DfE).

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