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School fine calculator

See how much you could be fined for school absences

We know how valuable family time is—and let's be honest, holiday prices don't always make it easy. If you're thinking about a term time trip, just be aware it could lead to a fine.

Our school fines calculator gives you a quick estimation of what the fine could be. And, because we know every penny counts, we've also included tips to save money when booking during the holidays.

Enter the number of children absent and select a country to view the fine information

How many children will be absent from school?

Select a country

Choose a county and local council to view the total fines issued

Choose a local council to view the total fines issued

Select a county

Select a local council

Scotland

Education authorities can take legal action for unauthorised absence, including seeking an attendance order. This is reviewed on a case by case basis. *

The total fines issued were:

0**

The total fines issued were:

England

The total fine for could be up to:

£*

Each parent could be fined up to £160 for each child they are responsible for, even if they aren't attending the trip.

The fine could reduce to £80 per child, if paid within 21 days.

The total fines issued were:

Wales

The total fine for could be up to:

£*

Each parent could be fined up to £120 for each child they are responsible for, even if they aren't attending the trip.

The fine could reduce to £60 per child, if paid within 21 days.

Northern Ireland

In a magistrate's court, the total fine for could be up to:

£*

Each parent could be fined up to £1000 for each child they are responsible for, even if they aren't attending the trip.

The total fines issued were:

0**

*Information on fines for unauthorised absences gathered from gov.uk, NIdirect.gov.uk, or direct from local education authorities.

**The number of fines issued per council collected through a Freedom of Information request to local education authorities, March 2025

Understanding fines and payment terms

If your child misses school without permission, the school or local council can take action. Councils follow a national framework and can issue:

Parenting orders
Education supervision orders
School attendance orders
Fine/Penalty notices

You might receive more than one of these penalties, depending on both local council decisions and individual school policies. In some cases, councils can also take legal action without issuing a fine first.

Fines are usually issued per child, per parent. This means if both parents are responsible for a one child's unauthorised absence, they could each receive a fine.

The exact process can vary depending on where you are:

England

If your child misses 5 full days without permission, the school may fine you. Since August 2024, a penalty notice is £80 if paid within 21 days, and £160 if not paid within 28 days. Any additional fine within 3 years is automatically £160. Each parent can only be fined twice in 3 years before local councils consider legal action.

Wales

Schools can approve up to 10 days off in some cases. But, unauthorised absences can still lead to fines. Currently, a penalty notice is £60 if paid within 21 days, increasing to £120 if not paid within 28 days. School policies can vary, so it's a good idea to check with your child's school for specific guidelines.

Scotland

There's no set fine system. But, if a child has frequent unauthorised absences, local councils can issue attendance orders requiring parents to explain absences. Ignoring this could lead to court action. In serious cases, parents may face fines of up to £1000 or even a month in prison—though this is rare.

Northern Ireland

While there's no automatic fines, schools monitor attendance closely. If it drops below 85%, parents may be referred to the Education Welfare Service (EWS). If they don't engage and attendance doesn't improve, fines of up to £1000 can apply. The focus is on support first, but persistent absences can lead to penalties.

Valid reasons for taking your child out of school

Many parents view travel as a valuable learning experience, but schools usually don't approve holidays during term time just for this reason.

In certain situations, schools may allow absences, such as:

Your child is too unwell to attend school
A significant family event, such as a funeral
Religious observances falling on a school day
A family emergency
Transport issues that prevent your child from getting to school

Keep in mind: Rules can vary, and head teachers can often have the final say on whether an absence is authorised. So, if you're unsure, check with your school to understand your options.

Why are holiday prices higher during the school holidays?

It's all about supply and demand. When school holidays begin, families across the country start booking trips, and that can push prices up.

Here's a closer look at why costs tend to soar:

More families are booking. Since everyone has the same set school breaks, demand for flights, hotels and holiday packages increases.
Limited availability. As flights and hotels fill up, what's left tends to be pricier. Booking early can give you a better chance of finding a good deal!
Peak season pricing. School holidays overlap with the most popular travel times, like summer and Christmas - when destinations are already in high demand.

We get it. It can be frustrating when prices spike just because schools are off. But the good news? There are still ways to bag a bargain!

How to save money on holidays during school breaks

It's no secret holidays during school breaks can be expensive. But, it's still possible to find great deals without pulling the kids out of school.

Here's some tips:

Book early. The sooner you book, the better the deal might be! Waiting too long usually means paying more.
Be open to lesser-known destinations. Big tourist hotspots usually charge premium prices, but nearby towns or alternative spots can be just as fun (and way more affordable).
Travel just outside peak dates. Travelling at the very start or end of the school holidays can often be cheaper than the busiest mid-holiday weeks.

Consider package deals. Bundling flights and hotels can sometimes be cheaper than booking them separately. Plus, you might get extra perks like all inclusive meals and airport transfers!
Look for free or low-cost family activities. Some destinations have amazing family-friendly options that won't cost a fortune—think beaches, parks and even free-entry museums.
Sign up for airline and hotel newsletters. Flash sales and exclusive discounts often get sent to subscribers first. So, it's worth keeping an eye on your email inbox.

With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic holiday during school breaks—without the hefty price tag!

Top 5 locations for family holidays and average insurance costs

Family travel insurance can conveniently cover the whole family under the same policy.

Here's a look at popular holiday destinations and average insurance prices to help you plan:

Destination	Average insurance policy cost
Spain	£30.64
Turkey	£37.07
France	£23.19
Greece	£34.69
United States	£108.97

_{Based on Confused.com data, average premiums for 2024}

What our travel insurance expert says

“Trips during the school holidays can be pricey. But, taking the kids out during term time is illegal and can lead to fines. The good news? There’s plenty of ways to grab a cheaper deal! Things like booking early, opting for a package holiday and choosing quieter destinations can all help keep costs down. And, don’t forget travel insurance—consider buying it early to make sure you're covered for any surprises from the get-go.”

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert

Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert

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Need more help?

What age do school fines start?

School fines apply once children reach compulsory school age, which begins at the start of their first term after their 5th birthday.

Do both parents have to pay school fines if they're separated?

Yes. Both parents are responsible for paying the fine, as long as they both have parental responsibility. So if one parent takes the child out of school without authorisation, both parents can be fined—even if they aren't together.

Can you appeal school fines?

No, you can't directly appeal a school fine for an unauthorised absence. But, you could consider reaching out to the school or local council to discuss the situation and explore potential resolutions.