Fiducia TogetherTerm dates and holidays
Who decides when school is open, and why leave in term time is refused.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Term dates are set by the local authority for community schools and by the governing body or trust for academies and voluntary aided schools, which is why neighbouring schools can differ.
Where it applies
All schools. Schools must be open for 190 days for pupils, plus training days.
How it works
Headteachers may only grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances, and a family holiday is not normally exceptional. Unauthorised absence can trigger a penalty notice at the national threshold.
"Exceptional" has no fixed definition but is interpreted narrowly — bereavement, a service parent's leave, a family emergency.
What you can ask for
Apply in writing in advance and set out why the circumstances are exceptional. A refused request refused in advance is better than an absence with no request at all.
Ask what code will be used, and see attendance codes.
If a request relates to disability, religious observance or a family emergency, say so explicitly — those are the grounds most likely to be considered.
Where to get help
Your school's attendance policy and the council's term dates page.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.