Schools to fine parents for breaking ‘unfair’ rule from Monday

Headteachers have warned ignoring the rules will not be tolerated

Schools are set to take action against rule-breaking parents from this week.

It’s over summer holiday rules many parents feel are unfair.

The end of June signals the time when many families get away for their summer breaks, just before the end of the school term.

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While some couples may feel there is little harm in their child missing a week close to the end of term, headteachers have warned they will still face penalties just like any other time of the school year.

Thousands are fined every year for taking kids on holiday during term time.

Many families prefer to go away now while prices are cheaper, before costs surge during the August break.

But they may come back home to find they have been fined.

Many choose to accept fines, knowing it will be cheaper than forking out for a holiday during August when the kids are off school.

Research from Confused.com suggests parent save £567 on average by going on holiday during term time.

So parents may think a £80 penalty makes financial sense.

But, of course, parents also need to take into consideration any potential impact on their children’s education and views of headteachers who may be less than impressed.

Data we obtained from Birmingham City Council showed 11,605 fines were issued by the city council between May 2025 and January 2026.

Tom Vaughan, from Confused.com, said: “For some families, taking a holiday before the school term ends can seem like an easy way to save money.

“Travelling outside of peak school holiday periods often means lower prices and fewer crowds. Our research found that parents and guardians saved £567 on average by taking trips during term time.

“Beyond the financial penalties, parents should also consider the impact on their child’s attendance record. Unauthorised term-time holidays are recorded on a child’s school register and might lower their overall attendance percentage.”