Government guidelines prevent Head teachers from granting leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

A family holiday during term time does not fall into the category of ‘exceptional circumstance’. An example of an exceptional circumstance could be a family with a parent in HM forces, who is restricted to taking leave at a given time.

We recognise that there will be times when a child requires short periods of exceptional leave during term-time. In these circumstances parents/carers are asked to complete the ‘Exceptional Leave Form’ to request the absence.

These requests will be considered by the Head Teacher on an individual basis. In the case of family emergency or bereavement, this can be done verbally.

No exceptional leave requests will be granted when the end of key stage tests and assessments or the phonics screen is taking place.