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Original poster

Teenager's school won't allow holidays, need other explanations for absences

33 replies

sandrascoffee · 04/02/2020 08:23

Hi,

My 16 year old son is in secondary school and we are planning to take a holiday during term time that will result in him missing school for two weeks. We chose these dates as the travel expenses were far lower and the destination would be less busy. It also lined up well with my work.

On my son's school website, it states that absences will be approved due to medical circumstances, a sporting/cultural event or bereavement leave or certain family circumstances but family holidays will not be approved when taken during school. Our family doctor was hestitant to give a medical certificate to my now 18 year old daughter who took a week and a bit off school for genuine medical reasons so I am relucant to go down that route.

I'm stuck with ideas as this is the first time we've taken a family holiday in years and it didn't occur during one of my child's last years of secondary school. If any mums would be able to share some advice that would be greatly appreciated! Smile

OP posts:
thisisthetime · 04/02/2020 08:27

You're probably going to get flamed. I take my dc out of primary for a few days a year and some people think that's awful.

Anyway to your question you'll just have to submit a holiday form and be honest and it won't be authorised. You may get a fine, £60 per week, per parent. There's not much else you can do except call in sick and that's pretty dishonest and they'll know anyway.

He's in year 11? Doing GCSE's? Pretty crappy timing to be honest. When is your holiday? Whatever you do it's not going to go down well.

Kerberos · 04/02/2020 08:27

Given you've already booked it in his final year at school I would probably just take the fine tbh. Any excuse you come up with won't wash with school so save the drama and just take the fine.

FoamingAtTheUterus · 04/02/2020 08:27

I'd postpone until next year. Doing this in GCSE year is madness

Beelzebop · 04/02/2020 08:27

If you take it you will be fined

donkeyoatey · 04/02/2020 08:26

Of course family holidays aren't approved and never have been. Your child should be in school. You need to do what everyone else does and go on holiday in the school holidays.

BigSandyBalls2015 · 04/02/2020 08:26

Year 11?! Shock

billybagpuss · 04/02/2020 08:25

Very brave taking a holiday GCSE year, honestly if you’re determined to take him out you’ll just have to budget for the fine too.

PineappleDanish · 04/02/2020 08:25

I'm not surprised they won't allow holidays. Isn't he doing exams? 2 weeks off at this stage of their education is ridiculous.