Parents in England and Wales could face fines of up to £2,500 for taking children on holiday during term time, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in unauthorised school absences. Data from Lawhive shows penalty notices reached a record 487,344 in the 2023/24 academic year, with 443,322 linked to term-time holidays—a 138% increase from 186,281 in 2021/22.
Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, warned that the Education Act 1996 makes parents legally responsible for ensuring regular school attendance. “The duty is not optional and applies irrespective of personal beliefs about the value of term-time travel,” he said. Fines start at £60 per child per parent if paid within 21 days, but can escalate to £2,500, and parents may face a criminal record.
The figures also represent a 950% increase compared to the pandemic low of 45,809 unauthorised absences in 2020/21. Local authorities issue Fixed Penalty Notices under the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007, and schools are legally obliged to report unauthorised absences.
McAfee advised parents to act promptly if fined, and to seek early legal guidance if facing difficulties meeting educational obligations. He stressed that fines are a compliance tool, not a punishment, aimed at ensuring children do not miss out on education unnecessarily.
