Application for leave of absence from school by parents (Samples)

In this guide we will discuss what an application for leave of absence from school by parents” is, when you can request for one and how.

In addition, we will talk about some special considerations when asking or requesting a leave of absence from school and how to avoid incurring in a penalty. 

Application for leave of absence from school by parents

Application for leave of absence from school by parents can vary its format from one school to the other but some of them follow the same structure and request the same information. 

Parents sometimes know them excuse letters and write them, usually directed to the class teacher or the principal when there are exceptional circumstances such as a death in the family or if their child is sick (e.g. fever or stomach bug) and need to notify the school so there won’t be an unauthorized absence that can be detrimental to a student’s academic performance.

All schools must comply and follow the education regulations where Head Teachers can’t authorize leave for holidays, and they may grant leave of absence if exceptional circumstances apply.

If the exceptional circumstances are agreed upon, the Head Teacher will determine the length of the absence (e.g. risk of  £60 Penalty Notice per parent per child).

Here is an example from Rugby Free Primary School “The Supreme Court recently reached a decision in the case of Platt v Isle of Wight Council which has clarified the law on unauthorized leave, including holidays, during term time. The parents of children of compulsory school age are required to ensure that they attend school on a regular basis. The Supreme Court has made clear that attending school ‘regularly’ means that the children must attend school on every day that they are required to do so. As such, the parents of any child who are absent from school without authorization for any length of time are likely to be considered as committing an offence under s444 of the Education Act 1996.”

On the other hand, St. Michaels Application for Leave of Absence from School states how the “Dorset County Council Children’s Services Directorate, fully supports schools in expecting parents and carers to make sure that children and young people attend school on a regular basis.

Any time away from school can have a significant impact on educational attainment, success in after life and longer term health and well-being…

In law, parents and carers are committing an offence if they fail to ensure the regular punctual attendance of their children at school.”

Reasons why the application won’t be granted

As mentioned, schools need to comply with the current laws established so here are some reasons why the application will not be granted:

  • If you are planing on going on holiday because you found cheap holidays.
  • If you are planing on going on holiday and there is availability of desired accommodation.
  • Due to poor weather experienced in the school holiday period.
  • An overlap with beginning or end of term.
  • Holidays that have been booked before even checking with the school.
  • During day trips.
  • Due to Sporting fixtures and shows.

Here are some reasons why but there are plenty more that are not considered valid reasons for an application for leave of absence to be granted so make sure you consult with the school first before making the application.

Sample 1:

I wish to apply for Leave of Absence from school to be granted to:

Name of the child:____________ Form Group:________________

First day of proposed absence:_________   Last date of proposed absence:_________

Expected date of return to school:______________________

Reasons for proposed absence (please provide reasons to support the application and include any evidence when possible): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 2:

“Dear TEACHER’S NAME,

I am writing to let you know that my child, CHILD’S NAME, will be absent from class on DATE because of REASON.

If possible, please provide homework for this date in advance so our child could be up to date with their work.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Your name

Mother of STUDENT NAME”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can parents write leave application for school?

Parents can write a leave application for school following this example:

“Subject: Application for Leave Letter to Principal. Dear (Sir/madam), With due respect, I want to inform you that my child (name of the child) is a student of class (state which class), of your school. Due to some health issues, my child is hospitalized and is advised to be in a doctor’s surveillance for three days.”

How do I write a letter to my child’s principal?

You can write a letter to your child’s principal considering adding the following information:

– The date

– Your child’s full name, main class teacher or current class placement.

– State your request in a clear, concise and polite manner.

– Provide any additional information such as your email or contact number in case they need to discuss any additional details. 

How do you write a leave application for urgent?

You could write a leave application for urgent following this example:

“Respected Principal,

The reason is that tomorrow I will be out of station with my parents due to an urgent work. Therefore, I request you to provide me leave for 1 day. I shall be highly obliged to you.”

How do you write sick leave for school?

You can write a sick leave for school by following this example:

“Most respectfully, I beg to state that I am not in a condition to come to the school since I am suffering from fever. I have been prescribed by our family doctor o take proper rest for at least [number of days] days. Hence, kindly grant me leave from (start date) to (end-date). I shall be really grateful to you.”

How do I write a leave letter to my son?

You could write a leave letter to your son by following this example:

“Dear (Sir/madam), With due respect, I want to inform you that my child (name of the child) is a student of class (state which class) at your school and due to some health issues, my child is hospitalized and is advised to be in a doctor’s surveillance for the following three days (specify the dates).”

References 

Abbotsfarm.co.uk (Warwickshire County Council-Communities Group Form. Find it here.

Quora.com

Rugbyfreeprimary.co.uk: “Leave of Absence Application”.

Stmichaelsmiddle.org: “St. Michaels Application for Leave of Absence from School”: You can find it here.Bramcotecofeprimary.co.uk: “Application for Leave of Absence During Term Time”. You can find the format here.

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