Attendance at school
It is well recognised that good, consistent attendance at school is crucial to a child’s future prospects. Reducing absence from school is a priority at Hill Farm as well as at schools locally and nationally.
In September 2013, the Department for Education made changes to the guidance given to headteachers about the authorisation of holidays taken in term time. These changes mean that headteachers are no longer able to authorise any requests for leave of absence in term time unless it is in exceptional circumstances. These occasions are extremely rare.
If you believe you need to take your child out of school for exceptional circumstances, please request this absence using a ‘Request for Absence’ form which can be collected from the school office. In order to be considered, this form must be received by school no later than 10 working days before the absence is planned. The school will then make a decision as to whether the absence will be authorised or not and will inform you of this in writing. If the absence is not authorised and your child is going to be absent from school for more than 5 days, then you risk being issued with a penalty fine of £60 per parent.
If you have any questions relating to leave of absence or attendance in general, please contact the school.
2024/2025 School Terms and Holidays
| Term | Student Dates | Training Days |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2024 | Tuesday 3 September 2024 to Friday 20 December 2024 | Monday 2 September 2024 |
| Half Term Break Monday 28 October 2024 to Friday 1 November 2024 | ||
| Christmas Holiday Monday 23 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025 | ||
| Spring 2025 | Monday 6 January 2025 to Friday 11 April 2025 | |
| Half Term Break Monday 17 February 2025 to Friday 21 February 2025 | ||
| Easter Holiday Monday 14 April 2025 to Friday 25 April 2025 | ||
| Summer 2025 | Monday 28 April 2025 to Monday 21 July 2025 | |
| May Day Holiday Monday 5 May 2025 | ||
| Half Term Break Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 30 May 2025 | ||
| Summer Holiday Tuesday 22 July 2025 |