Noel and Sue Radford, parents of the UK’s biggest family, are racking up fines after yanking their kids out of school for a lavish £52,000 Disney World blowout in Florida.
Lavish Disney Birthday Bash Lands Radfords in Hot Water
The Radfords splashed £52,000 on a luxe holiday to mark Sue’s 50th birthday in April 2025. Despite admitting last year they were “feeling the pinch,” the no-expense-spared trip has only cost them more after they faced fines at Preston Magistrates Court.
The Morecambe couple were found guilty of skipping school attendance rules for four children between March 24 and May 1, 2025. Each absence bagged a £65 fine plus £118 in court costs. That’s a wallet-busting £756 slapped on top of the Florida holiday bill.
From TV Fame to Court Shame
The Radfords rose to stardom with Channel 5’s 22 Kids and Counting, showcasing life with 22 kids and 15 grandkids. They shared birthday snaps from Disney, featuring Donald Duck meet-and-greets and Sue rocking Minnie Mouse ears.
The extravaganza covered flights, stays, and theme park passes for their own children plus 11 grandchildren. Only 29-year-old Chloe stayed home, expecting her second child.
The holiday wasn’t all smooth sailing. Younger daughter Millie, 24, and her two kids got stranded at the airport when their ESTA travel authorisations expired. Noel held back to fix their paperwork while the rest of the family jetted on, joining them the next day.
School Skipping Sparks Legal Trouble
UK law is crystal clear: parents must ensure their kids attend school—no exceptions for holiday whims. Term-time hols are off-limits unless schools grant permission or there’s a genuine emergency.
“Holidays during term time are generally not considered exceptional, meaning parents cannot usually take children out of school for holidays.”
Even with fame and fortune, the Radfords have been shown that UK school rules apply to all families, big or small.
