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AIBU?

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Original poster

DS17 wants to skip school day for UCAT. AIBU to say no??

88 replies

PoisedTiger · 07/09/2026 21:58

DS17 has his UCAT coming up next week. He has asked to skip school this Wednesday so he can do some final preparation.

AIBU to refuse to lie to the school and call him in sick?

School attendance is important to me, and I don't want to set a bad example by lying.

I have absolutely no doubts about his time management, he is doing brilliantly academically and is currently predicted 4 As*.

Should I just support him and pull the sickie, or am I right to insist on the truth?

OP posts:
Peopleshouldhavetails · 07/09/2026 22:10

I wouldn’t lie but I would advice school he isn’t coming in as he needs time to prepare for UCAT.
if school doesn’t agree, it’ll just go down as unauthorised absence but I’d rather have that than lying about being ill.

Moreholidaysthanjudithchalmers · 07/09/2026 22:09

I would without hesitation. If a quiet day before makes he feel more prepared and comfortable why wouldn’t you. It’s a high stakes test. He can easily catch up one day at school.

50Balesofgrey · 07/09/2026 22:08

Just tell them he's off for UCAT. No need to call him in sick. You're his parent. It's your call.

superchick · 07/09/2026 22:06

He's 17 so I think he can make up his own mind. I was writing my own sick notes to get out of PE when I was 12. I think he's capable of calling the school and leaving a voicemail to say he won't be in and doesn't need you to get involved.

PiggyPokkyFool · 07/09/2026 22:06

fashionqueen0123 · 07/09/2026 22:01

It’s one day for an important test. Having said that we’ve got a family member doing it and after doing some practises myself I’m not sure how much you can prepare.

You can definitely prepare and the more they do the quicker they get.

PiggyPokkyFool · 07/09/2026 22:05

For UCAT I would let him have a day. Without a good score he won't get the interviews so no chance of an offer and the grades are then meaningless.

Newmeagain · 07/09/2026 22:03

fashionqueen0123 · 07/09/2026 22:01

It’s one day for an important test. Having said that we’ve got a family member doing it and after doing some practises myself I’m not sure how much you can prepare.

You definitely can and need to.

Octavia64 · 07/09/2026 22:02

ucat is insanely important. I’d let him do it

JustAnotherWhinger · 07/09/2026 22:01

For UCAT I would allow it. It’s important

fashionqueen0123 · 07/09/2026 22:01

It’s one day for an important test. Having said that we’ve got a family member doing it and after doing some practises myself I’m not sure how much you can prepare.

Traitorsclaudia · 07/09/2026 22:01

It's fine, and he's showing how seriously he's taking his future choices.

Newmeagain · 07/09/2026 22:01

School is important but surely the UCAT is really important too? If he wants to go to medical school then the 4A*s are not worth very much without a good UCAT score.

Tickingcrocodile · 07/09/2026 22:00

It's one day to prepare for an important test. I would let him have the time.

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