New school absence fines in 2024: What parents need to know

Starting next term, parents could face higher fines if they take their children out of school without permission.

The government is cracking down on unauthorised absences, with fines going up for the first time since 2013.

Why is school attendance so important?

Good school attendance isn’t just about following the rules—it’s linked to better well-being and academic performance.

When children attend school regularly, they’re more likely to succeed in their studies and develop positive social connections that can benefit them throughout life.

What’s changing?

If you decide to take your child out of school without getting the school’s permission, you’ll be hit with a bigger penalty than before. Here’s how the new fines will work:

• £80 fine if paid within 21 days: Up from £60.
• £160 fine if paid within 28 days: Up from £120.

These new rates will kick in at the start of the new term, so all parents need to be aware of them.

From August 2024, these updated fines will be enforced across all councils, making the rules consistent nationwide.

When can kids miss school?

Children are only allowed to miss school if they’re unwell or if they’ve got prior permission from the school for what’s called “exceptional circumstances.” This might include things like a family funeral or an important religious event.

However, for families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), schools and authorities are expected to provide additional support and consider special circumstances before taking any action.

Stricter rules for fines

Until now, local councils were free to decide when to issue fines for school absences.

But under the new rules, schools are being told to consider a fine if your child misses at least five days without permission.

That means it’s more likely than ever that a fine will be issued if your child misses school.

Fines are considered a last resort. Before things get to that point, schools and local councils are expected to work with families to understand why a child might be missing school and to offer support to help improve attendance.

However, if you get a second fine for the same child within three years, the cost doubles to £160 straight away, even if you pay within 21 days.

This shows just how seriously the government is taking unauthorised absences.

What happens if you keep getting fines?

Parents can only receive two fines within three years. After that, the authorities might take things further.

This could mean a parenting order, which could require you to attend parenting classes or even prosecution.

And that’s when things get really serious: if taken to court, you could be fined up to £2,500.

Where does the money go?

So, where does the money from these fines actually end up? According to government guidelines, the first step is to cover the costs of managing the fine system itself.

But what happens if there’s money left over? That extra cash is meant to be reinvested in helping schools improve attendance, giving a boost to initiatives that keep kids in the classroom.

And if there’s still some left in the pot at the end of the year, it’s passed on to the education secretary.

What does this mean for you?

The new fines are a wake-up call for parents. The days of pulling your kids out of school for a quick getaway or a special event without facing any consequences are over.

With fines increasing and rules getting stricter, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is in school unless you have a really good reason not to be.

By understanding these new rules, working with your child’s school, and planning your family time around school holidays, you can avoid these costly fines and help your child get the most out of their education.