The UK will increase its fine for taking kids out of school this month. Tempted to take your kids on holiday during term time to avoid high-season rates? The controversial trend has been growing along with the cost of living crisis. But parents in the UK will soon face increased fines for taking their children out of school.
After surveying parents on the phenomenon in 2022, Flight Centre UK found that 67 per cent were considering taking their children out of school to secure a cheaper holiday. But what are the consequences? In the UK, will face steeper fines for taking their kids out of school from August 2024, with the minimum rising from £60 (€68) to £80 (€93). The maximum will remain at £2,500 (€2,846).
Yet 36 per cent of parents surveyed said they would consider factoring this into their final holiday cost if it worked out cheaper overall. Soaring are already stretching holidaymakers’ budgets. During school breaks, things get even harder.
A return flight from London to Mallorca in the last week of the summer holidays currently starts at £200 (€233), while one week later it drops to just £49 (€57). With fines set to rise for children who miss five or more days, it's possible that fewer parents will risk holidaying during school time. Here are the penalties parents could face for taking their children out of school across different countries.
In , schooling is compulsory between ages six and 15. If an unauthorised absence of more than three consecutive day.