At St Sebastian's, we value both learning and rest. There is a time for school... to learn, grow and share our talents ... and a time for holidays, to rest and spend quality time with family and friends. To help every child flourish, it’s important that our children attend school every day and on time during term time.

Unauthorised Holidays During Term Time

As Headteacher, I am required to implement the Attendance Policy which has been formally adopted by our Governing Body. This policy is fully aligned with the Department for Education’s School attendance: guidance for schools (May 2022), which states:

Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Family holidays during term time are very unlikely to be considered exceptional circumstances.

In addition, the Department for Education does not recognise family holidays, even where SEND or family circumstances are cited, as grounds for authorising term-time absence.

Therefore, the Governing Body has directed that requests for term-time leave for family holidays will NOT be authorised. This ensures that the policy is applied consistently, fairly and in accordance with national expectations.