Parents fined £41 million for term-time holidays

Taking the kids on a term-time holiday might seem like a good way to save money, but it could end up costing you more than you think.

New research from Confused.com has revealed that nearly 900,000 fines have been handed to parents since 2022, totalling a huge £41 million in penalties for unauthorised school absences.

And it’s not just the odd family getting caught out. Some areas are dishing out tens of thousands of fines.

Where are parents being fined the most?

Essex tops the list, with 35,605 fines issued by Essex County Council. But other councils aren’t far behind:

• Bradford City Council – 35,023 fines
• Lancashire County Council – 34,023 fines
• Birmingham City Council – 25,614 fines
• Hampshire County Council – 25,221 fines

Parents in these areas are more likely to be fined, but the rules apply nationwide.

How much is the fine?

If your child misses school without permission, you could be hit with a £60 fine per parent, per child.
If you don’t pay within 21 days, that jumps to £120.

And if you ignore it completely, things can escalate. Councils can take legal action, which could lead to a court appearance and an even bigger fine.

So for a two-parent household with two children, that’s £240 upfront – or £480 if you miss the 21-day deadline.

When can you get fined?

You can get fined if your child misses school without permission from the headteacher. That includes:

• Holidays during term time
• Unexplained absences
• Late arrivals (in some areas)

The only time you won’t be fined is if the school agrees the absence is for an exceptional reason. That might include:

• A family bereavement
• A religious event
• Medical appointments that couldn’t be scheduled outside school hours

But holidays aren’t classed as exceptional, even if they’re cheaper during term time.

Why are parents still taking kids out of school?

Confused.com’s survey found that 86% of parents with school-aged children would still consider a term-time break.

And it’s easy to see why. Families can save an average of £567 on flights and accommodation by avoiding peak-season prices.

Nearly half of parents (45%) said it’s okay to take children out of school at any age, and a third believe travel is just as important as formal education.

As part of its research, Confused.com has launched a school fines calculator to help you work it out much it’ll cost if you take your kids away during term time.

What can you do if you can’t afford the fines?

If you can’t afford to repay a school fine for term-time absence, you do have options. It’s important to act quickly. Ignoring the fine can lead to it increasing. Here’s what you can do:

1. Speak to the local authority

Contact the council that issued the fine as soon as possible. Explain your financial situation, some councils may offer:

• More time to pay
• A payment plan
• A review or appeal if you have exceptional circumstances

They’re not required to cancel the fine, but they may be flexible if you're struggling.

2. Check if you can appeal

Fines can only be challenged in very specific circumstances. For example, if:

• You believe the absence was authorised
• You weren’t properly notified
• The fine was issued in error

You’ll need to raise this directly with the school or local authority. Be ready to provide evidence.

3. Get debt advice

If the fine is adding to a bigger money problem, it’s a good idea to get support. We can:

• Help you assess your budget
• Prioritise urgent payments
• Help you get the support that’s right for you

4. Prioritise essential bills

If you’re juggling multiple bills, focus on priority debts first like rent, council tax, energy bills and fines. These carry the most serious consequences if left unpaid.

A school fine is considered a priority debt once legal action starts, so don’t ignore it.