Record rise in Oxfordshire parents fined for term-time holidays
The county issued its highest-ever number of school absence fines last year
Oxfordshire has seen a record increase in fines issued to parents for taking their children on holiday during term time, reflecting a national trend, according to new Department for Education figures.
In the 2024/25 academic year, Oxfordshire County Council issued 2,864 fines for unauthorised school absences – the highest figure recorded in the last decade. Of these, 76% (2,184 fines) resulted from holidays taken during term time, while 14 were linked to lateness and 666 categorised as "other."
This marks a significant rise from the previous year, when 666 fines were issued for unauthorised absences, of which 523 were due to term-time holidays.
Nationally, a total of 492,825 fines were handed out last year for school absences, with 93% linked to term-time holidays.
Increase in fines and funding usage
Oxfordshire County Council confirmed that income generated from school absence fines – which totalled £152,720 in the 2024/25 academic year – is used to manage the attendance system and to provide attendance support.
A council spokesperson explained: “The system for fines for school attendance/absence is a national, not a local one. The effectiveness of the system is therefore a question for national policy makers. Similarly, recent trends in school attendance/absence are national, not Oxfordshire specific."
Parents are fined £80 per parent/carer for unauthorised absences, which rises to £160 if unpaid within 21 days. Fines are issued for failing to ensure children attend school regularly, allowing children to miss school without authorisation, or failing to return children to school after an approved absence.
The spokesperson added: “We support all schools to manage attendance and in situations where it is necessary to impose a fine, the local authority deals with the process.”
Jump in fines for term-time holidays
The jump in fines for term-time holidays has been particularly stark in Oxfordshire over recent years. In the 2023/24 academic year, fines totalled only 666, while the year prior saw 1,327 fines issued, with 98% linked to holidays.
Nationally, school absence fines have also risen steadily, reaching nearly half a million last year, up from 487,344 fines issued in 2023/24.
Most schools in Oxfordshire are part of academy trusts and operate independently of the county council, although it remains the authority responsible for education in the county.