Planning an early summer holiday? Experts warn the end of term "safe zone" isn’t fine-free
UK schools don’t officially break up until late July – leaving early for a money-saving holiday could still cost £80 per parent and fines apply right up to the last day of school
As summer holiday prices soar, many families are considering sneaking in a cheaper trip before schools officially break up – but education experts are warning that leaving early could still land you with a hefty fine, even in the final weeks of term.
It's important to remember that just because the last few weeks of school are often made up of fun activities, school trips and sports days, that doesn't mean they don't count as official term-time school days that your child is expected to show up for.
There's no school absence "safe zone"
With flight and accommodation costs skyrocketing over the school holidays, the idea of flying out in late June or early July might seem like a clever money-saving move. But unless your child’s school has authorised the absence, you could still face a penalty notice of at least £80 per parent, per child – even just days before term ends.
“A lot of parents assume they’ve made it to the ‘safe zone’ in the final weeks of term – but unless you have authorised leave, fines can still apply up until the very last school day,” explains Lindsey Wright from education platform Tutors Valley.
“Some schools don’t break up until the last week of July, so heading abroad in early summer could still land you with a fine of £80 or more, per parent, per child.”
When do schools actually finish for summer in the UK?
The end-of-term date varies by region and even by school, but many state schools in England and Wales don't officially break up until at least Friday 19th July. While some are still teaching right up until Thursday 25th July.
England & Wales: Most schools finish between 19–25 July
Northern Ireland: Some schools finish in early July, but dates still vary locally
Scotland: Generally finish in late June – though this doesn’t apply across the UK
So if you're booking a holiday before these dates and haven't got official permission, you could face a fine regardless of how close it is to the summer holidays.
What are the current fines for unauthorised school absence?
It’s not just the timing that’s catching parents out – it’s the price, too. Since August 2024, school absence fines have increased from £60 to £80 per parent per child, if paid within 21 days. That jumps to £160 if left unpaid for 28 days.
In the 2023/24 academic year, over 443,000 fines were issued for unauthorised school absences. This marks a substantial rise from previous years.
And there’s more: “Parents can receive a maximum of two fines within a three-year period before facing further legal action,” Lindsey adds. “That means the consequences could escalate to prosecution in some cases.”
The golden rule: always check your school’s calendar
With so many variables between schools and local authorities, Tutors Valley is urging families to take a cautious approach. Don’t assume the final weeks of term are a grey area – they’re not.
“To avoid being caught out, always double-check your child’s school calendar before booking anything,” says Lindsey. “If time off during term is truly unavoidable, speak to the school and request authorisation in writing.”
And above all, she says, “make sure you understand the consequences – unauthorised absences can lead to fines of £80 or more, per parent, per child.”
Quick recap for busy parents:
School term in England and Wales typically runs until 19–25 July
Unauthorised absences can now cost £80 per parent, per child
Penalties apply even in the final days of term
Always check your local school’s calendar before booking
Ask for authorised leave in writing if time off is unavoidable
For many families, the pull of a budget-friendly break is understandably strong – but make sure you’re not bringing back an unwelcome fine along with your tan.
Pic: Getty