Can my child go on holiday beyond the school holidays?
When children reach the age of 5, they must go to school every school day. You cannot take them out of school to go on holiday. If you can’t go on holiday during the school holidays because of your work, you can ask the head of the school for special permission. You can make this request once a year for up to 10 school days.
Permission for leave beyond the school holidays
The school may give you permission to take your child on holiday beyond the school holidays if:
- your job makes it impossible for you to take leave during the school holidays (for example, because your work is seasonal or has its busiest time in the school holidays);
- your holiday is not in the first two weeks after the end of the summer holiday;
- your holiday is no longer than 10 school days.
Asking for special permission
If you want to take your child on holiday beyond the school holidays, you must first ask permission from the head of the school. You must make your request in writing at least 8 weeks before the date when you want to go on holiday. You must also give the school a statement from your employer explaining why you cannot go on holiday at any other time. The head then decides whether to give permission. If you have asked for more than 10 days leave, the decision is made by the school attendance officer.
Objecting if you do not get permission
If you do not get permission to take your child on holiday beyond the school holidays, you can submit an objection in writing to the person who made the decision. This is usually the head of the school.
Leave for special occasions
You can also request leave so your child can attend special family occasions such as weddings and funerals.