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Parents Choose Cheaper Holidays Over School Absence Fines

1/30/2026

40 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Fines for unauthorized school absences in England and Wales total over £41 million, with penalties up to £160.
Confused.com reports that parents view holiday travel as cheaper than fines.
Rebecca Allerton, a mother of three, argues missing school isn’t harmful if attendance stays above 95%.
She notes the price gap between term-time and holiday breaks.
Allerton’s family has avoided fines by planning absences around bank holidays and polling days.

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Story summary

Fines for unauthorized school absences in England and Wales total over £41 million, with penalties up to £160.
Confused.com reports that parents view holiday travel as cheaper than fines.
Rebecca Allerton, a mother of three, argues missing school isn’t harmful if attendance stays above 95%.
She notes the price gap between term-time and holiday breaks.
Allerton’s family has avoided fines by planning absences around bank holidays and polling days.