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Parents in Suffolk faced an unprecedented 11,784 fines for unauthorised school absences last academic year – up 19% from the previous year, with nine in 10 penalties issued for term-time holidays.
Why it matters: The sharp rise marks the highest number of penalties issued since records began in 2009-10, quantifying a growing conflict between family holiday affordability and school attendance requirements.
By the numbers:
11,784 penalty notices issued in 2023-24 – a 19% increase from the previous year
91% of fines related to unauthorised family holidays
Parents were fined £80 for their first offence – up £60 from the previous year – and £160 for a second offence within three years
The big picture: Suffolk's trend mirrors a national surge, with England recording 487,344 penalty notices – also the highest figure since records began.
What they're saying: "School leaders take no pleasure in parents being fined, but must have clear, consistent policies in place that emphasise the importance of attendance," says Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders.
Between the lines: Education leaders acknowledge the financial pressures driving term-time holidays:
They understand parents' struggle with peak holiday costs
But warn missing school damages education
Call for government intervention with travel firms
Describe current fines as a "blunt tool"
The other side: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasises that "behaviour like term-time holidays cannot be changed with support alone — which is why fines have a vital place in our system."
By the numbers: Of Suffolk's resolved cases:
9,194 fines were paid
1,435 were withdrawn
134 led to a prosecution
The bottom line: While school leaders recognise the financial challenges families face with holiday costs, the record-breaking surge in fines underscores the growing conflict between attendance policies and affordable family travel.
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