School holiday fines: how they work

How much?

In England, a fine (formally a "penalty notice") is issued to each parent, for each child. For a first fine:

• £80per parent, per child, if paid within 21 days
• £160per parent, per child, if paid within 28 days

So two parents taking three children out of school could each get three fines: six in all, £480 if paid within 21 days or £960 if paid later.

When a fine is issued

Since 19 August 2024 there has been one national rule in England. A school or council must consider a fine once a child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence (a session is a morning or an afternoon, so about 5 school days) within any 10 school weeks. Headteachers can only agree to time off in exceptional circumstances, and the government's guidance says a family holiday isn't normally one of them.

Second and third fines

A second fine for the same child within three years of the first is £160, with no lower rate for paying early. A parent can't get more than two fines for the same child in three years. After that, the council considers other action instead, which can include prosecution in the magistrates' court.

Can you appeal?

There's no formal appeal against a penalty notice. A council can withdraw a notice, for example if it was issued in error. If a fine isn't paid, the council can prosecute for the absence itself, and the parent can then put their case to the court.

Wales is different

Welsh councils issue notices under the Education (Penalty Notices) (Wales) Regulations 2013, following their own local code of conduct. A notice is £60 if paid within 28 days, rising to £120 if paid within 42 days. Check your council's code for when it issues one.