School Absence Request

This document can be used to request authorisation from a school for a child's absence where the child attends school in the United Kingdom. It can be used for more than one child in the same school and amended to reflect the circumstances of each request.

This document allows for absence requests to be submitted due to:

• illness;
• medical appointments;
• dental appointments;
• court/legal proceedings;
• funerals;
• weddings;
• religious ceremonies;
• bereavement;
• family crises;
• family holidays; and
• any other legitimate absences that can be justified.

Please note that the rules regarding school absences and how they will be considered by schools are different in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In particular, term time holidays will only ever be permitted in exceptional circumstances. It is also important to note that that sanctions can be imposed upon parents in respect of a child's unauthorised absence, and it is therefore important to ensure that absences are properly authorised.

How this document is to be used

The letter should be signed by the parent or guardian of the child/children and sent to the headmaster of the school or the child/children's relevant form or registration tutor. Thereafter a response should be received either granting permission or denying permission.

Where the child is ill and will be absent from school for an extended period of time, the school may request that the parent/guardian obtain a doctor's note for the child which confirms their illness. in those circumstances, the parent may wish to attach any relevant medical documentation.

If no response is received, or the request is urgent, the letter should be followed up with a phone call to the school to confirm receipt and ask that a response be provided urgently.

Any applicable law

Parents/Guardians in England should be aware of: the Education Act 1996 and government guidance on school attendance and absence.

Parents/Guardians in Scotland should be aware of: the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Scottish Government guidance on "School attendance: a guide for parents".

Parents/Guardians in Wales should be aware of the: Education Act 1996 and Welsh Government guidance on schools attendance and absence.

Parents/Guardians in Northern Ireland should be aware of: the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 and the Northern Irish government guidance on school attendance and absences.

Help from a lawyer

You can choose to consult a lawyer if you need help.

The lawyer can answer your questions or help you through the process. You will be offered this option when you complete the document.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.