Fewer pupils out of school at start of academic year as absence fines rise

Fewer pupils out of school at start of academic year as absence fines rise

Minimum penalty notices for parents who take their child on holiday in term-time without permission have increased to £80 this year.

The number of pupils in England off school without permission at the start of the academic year has fallen slightly compared with last year, figures suggest.

Data from the Department for Education (DfE) shows the unauthorised absence rate across all schools in England was 2.0% in the week ending September 13, compared with 2.1% in the equivalent week in 2023.

It comes as parents in England face higher fines if they take their children out of class without permission this academic year as part of a Government drive to boost attendance since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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