APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

We actively discourage pupils from taking holidays during term time. Requests for years 7 to 11 inclusive should be made via this Leave of Absence Request form. Do not complete this form if your child is simply off sick for the day. 

Sixth Form students, please email 6formabsence@swchs.net both to report absence and request an absence during term time.

All holiday leave will be recorded as unauthorised unless there are very exceptional circumstances. Parents will be notified by letter within 2 weeks if the absence is to be recorded as authorised. A term time absence will only be authorised by the school if there are special circumstances which warrant it. (Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.)

If absence is taken without a request having been made, parents will be asked to give a reason for the absence upon their child’s return to school.

If the unauthorised leave of absence is taken in term time we may refer this to the Missing Education Child Employment Service (MECES)  and they may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (if paid within 28 days) or £60 (if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school. MECES can issue a Penalty Notice for any leave of absence which is taken which lasts for at least 10 session (5 consecutive days) irrespective of whether there are existing attendance concerns or not..

This form is for Years 7 - 11 only,

If your child is in Years 12 and 13, please contact the Sixth Form directly by emailing 6formabsence@swchs.net.