The Department for Education has confirmed a term-time rule change that means parents now risk being billed £320 for taking children out of school early for summer holidays. Under current attendance rules in England, parents could face fines of up to £160 per child. With each guardian billed separately for the same child, households could end up forking over £320 per child.
How the Fines Work
Under current guidance, parents can be fined £80 per child for unauthorised absences if paid within 21 days. That rises to £160 if unpaid after 28 days. Latest Department for Education figures show more than 459,000 fines were issued for unauthorised term-time holidays during the 2024/25 academic year.
Expert Warning
Lindsey Wright, physics and maths tutor at TutorsValley, said: “A lot of parents understand the attendance rules, but they’re also seeing holiday prices jump massively during official school breaks.” She warned that many parents still think fines are small because they remember the old system, but after changes from the Labour government last September, higher charges can make it expensive quickly. “They’re usually trying to work out what’s realistically affordable for their family while avoiding unexpected costs later on,” she added. “That’s why it’s important people understand exactly what the fines are before making any decisions.”
Regional Variations
School holiday absences account for the majority of attendance penalties issued by councils. Wales operates a separate framework, charging £60 for unauthorised absences, an amount which doubles if paid late, according to the Welsh government. Meanwhile, there are currently no fixed penalty systems in Scotland or Northern Ireland, under devolved rules in both home nations.
