Leave of Absence Requests

Our aim is to ensure that our students have high levels of attendance which in turn enables them to take full advantage of the educational opportunities on offer at Sedgefield Community College.

From September 2013, parents no longer have the right to request a leave of absence for their children for an annual holiday. The amendments to the 2006 Pupil Registration Regulations make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. It states that ‘Headteachers should determine the number of school days a student can be away from school if the leave is granted’.

The school will consider every request for leave individually. The most important consideration is the effect an absence would have upon a child’s education. Permission will not be given for a student unless the circumstances are exceptional (eg for a wedding or funeral) and providing the time period is appropriate. Proof of ‘exceptional circumstances’ must be provided before any absence is authorised.

If you wish to make an application for a leave of absence, you must complete a leave of absence request form, which can be downloaded by clicking on the link below or from our Student Services desk. Following the submission of your application, you will be notified in writing of the school’s decision.

Leave of Absence Request

Parents and carers should note that if a child is taken out of school during term time without submitting a prior application, or if a request for leave is not authorised and the child is still removed from school, the absence will be marked as ‘unauthorised’. Penalty Notices may be issued in accordance with national regulations and local guidelines if 10 unauthorised absence sessions (equivalent to morning or afternoon registrations) occur within a 10-school-week period. Failure to pay a Penalty Notice could lead to prosecution.

The current Penalty Notice fines are as follows:

• The 1st Penalty Notice is £160 per parent, per child, if paid within 28 days (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days).
• A 2nd Penalty Notice is £160 per parent, per child, payable within 28 days.

• A 3rd Penalty Notice cannot be issued. Instead, legal action may be taken, such as prosecution.

If you have any questions or require further information please contact Sam Sladen, Attendance Officer.