- More than 138,000 people have signed a petition demanding an end to school attendance fines, arguing they act as a stealth tax on families struggling with high holiday costs.
- Parents currently face an £80 fine for taking a child out of school for five days without authorisation, which rises to £160 if unpaid after 21 days or for a second offence.
- A record 459,288 fines were issued during the 2024-25 academic year, marking a four per cent increase compared to the previous year.
- According to a Parentkind survey, 21 per cent of parents took their children out of school for an affordable holiday, with 28 per cent concealing the real reason for the absence.
- The Department for Education rejected the petition, insisting that fixed penalty notices play a vital role in ensuring children attend school and influencing parental behaviour.
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