A staggering 459,288 fines were slapped on parents in England during the 2024-2025 school year for unauthorised absences, the Department for Education reveals. That’s a whopping 4% jump from last year and the highest ever recorded.
Holidaymakers Foot the Fine Bill
Nearly 93% of these fines—over 443,000—were dished out for parents taking their kids on family holidays during term time. Authorities are keeping a sharp eye on rogue holidays, cracking down hard.
Fines Get Heftier in 2024
The spike follows a rule shake-up that hiked fines from £60 to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days. Miss that window, and the charge doubles to £160, ramping up the pressure to pay fast.
Where Are Parents Getting Slapped the Most?
Regional data shows Yorkshire and the Humber topping the naughty list with the highest fine rates. Meanwhile, London parents are dodging the worst of it with the lowest number of penalty notices handed out.
The Government’s Take: “Fines are vital in boosting attendance. Missing lessons doesn’t just harm one child, it disrupts whole classes,” a spokesperson warned.
