Absence Requests

Absence Requests During Term Time

The Department for Education make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.

In exceptional circumstances, a request for absence must be made in advance to the Headteacher, who will inform you of the decision prior to booking your holiday or arranging leave.  If a request for leave is not authorised by the Headteacher and the student goes on holiday, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised which could result in a penalty fee.  Holidays therefore should not be booked during term time as a matter of course.

Please be aware that the Department for Education’s statutory guidance: Working together to improve school attendance (August 2024) states:

349. Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.

However, if you do wish the Headteacher to consider a request, please submit the request well in advance of the planned holiday and before any firm booking is made.  You will then be informed of the Headteacher’s decision.  However, in most cases permission will be refused.

Please refer to the school calendar before you book a holiday and take note that in some case, the dates may differ slightly from the those listed on the Derbyshire County Council website.

If you have any more questions regarding requesting absence of any sort during term time, please contact the school's Attendance Administrator, Mrs Jackson - n.jackson@thebolsoverschool.org.uk.

Please use the button below to complete the online absence request form.