Headteachers have no discretion to grant a leave of absence during term time unless there are genuinely exceptional circumstances. The fundamental principles for defining ‘exceptional’ are rare, significant, unavoidable and short; 'unavoidable' should be taken to mean an event that could not reasonably be scheduled at another time. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the headteacher has all the information in writing to be able to determine whether the request is truly exceptional. 

Any request for absence which might be considered as ‘exceptional circumstances’ should be put in writing to the headteacher as far in advance as possible. Parents should include any relevant supporting documents using the leave of absence form.

The decision whether to authorise leave, and if so, how much, remains with the headteacher. Parents will be notified of the headteacher’s decision at the earliest opportunity. If the leave is not authorised and the leave of absence is still taken, a penalty notice may be requested (see ‘Penalty Notices’ below for more information).

Please note that, generally, the DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance.