Family holidays and school holidays

Children have 13 weeks annual holiday from school and school holiday dates are published well in advance online. As such, all parents/carers are expected wherever possible to plan and take their family holidays at this time so as not to disrupt their children’s education. Education law states that parents do not have a right to take their child out of school for a holiday during term time. Only in exceptional circumstances may a headteacher grant permission for leave; and it is the headteacher’s decision on whether the absence is exceptional and how many days to approve.

If you would like to apply for an authorised absence from the headteacher, please complete the below form and send it to reception@westgate.hants.sch.uk

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Parents/carers who take their child out of school without the absence being agreed and authorised by written permission from the school can be issued with a penalty fine.

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Authorised Absence Request Form.