Data released by local authorities indicates a significant rise in fines for parents taking their children on term-time holidays in Greater Manchester. In the 2024/25 academic year, almost half a million penalty notices were issued across England, with the primary reason being unauthorized absences due to family holidays.
In total, there were approximately 459,000 fines handed out, translating to over 620 fines for every 10,000 pupils in the country. Notably, four boroughs in Greater Manchester ranked among the top 20 local authorities with the highest fine rates per 10,000 pupils.
Oldham Leads in Fines
Oldham stood out as having the second highest rate of holiday fines in England, with a staggering 6,000 fines issued last year. This amounts to 1,500 fines for every 10,000 pupils. Following closely, Bolton, Rochdale, and Manchester also appeared in the top 20 list. In Bolton, the rate was 1,197 fines per 10,000 pupils, while Rochdale recorded 1,196 fines, and Manchester had 1,023 fines.
The data highlights a concerning trend, as the total number of fines for taking children on holiday during term-time has steadily increased in recent years. The figures show that there were 116,000 fines issued in the 2016/17 academic year, which was the first year for which such data became available. This number more than doubled to 288,000 fines by the 2018/19 academic year, just before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted schooling.
Barnsley Holds Highest Rate
In a national context, Barnsley leads the country with the highest rate of school holiday fines. The council area issued nearly 5,300 penalty notices for unauthorized absences due to family holidays last year. This trend raises questions about the policies surrounding school attendance and the impact on families seeking to travel during school breaks.
As the academic year progresses, the increasing trend of fines suggests that parents may face continued scrutiny over holiday choices, particularly as the enforcement of these policies becomes more stringent.
For individuals interested in the specifics of holiday fines in various local authorities, an interactive map is available, detailing the number of penalties issued by region.
The ongoing situation underscores the balancing act between educational policies and family needs, as communities navigate the complexities of school attendance regulations.
