Please visit the Durham County Council website to view or download the school holidays dates for this academic year and next year for all community schools, special schools and voluntary controlled schools. Please note that voluntary aided (church) schools, foundation schools and academies may have set different dates and you should check with the school or academy to confirm their arrangements or view the PDF for schools not following the standard term and holiday dates.
School Holidays During Term Time
Previously, as you know, Headteachers have been allowed to grant leave of absence during term time of up to 10 school days if the leave of absence application met the criteria set out by the Department for Education.
From 1st September 2013 this is no longer the case. Under new rules, schools are no longer allowed to authorise leave of absence for family holidays. It’s very specific.
From September, the amendments make it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Each case will be looked at individually and on occasion, proof may be requested.
Parents should be aware that the Educational Welfare Officers are now able to issue penalty notices to each parent, for each child.
I do realise that this will present difficulties for all parents who are operating under a tight budget. These regulations however, are now in force and are being adopted by each school in the Bishop Auckland Cluster.
We’ve also included an absence request form for you, should you need one.
If you have any queries or questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
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