What is the difference? Authorised and Unauthorised Absence.

Every school, by law, has to register pupils twice a day; first thing in the morning session at the start of the school day, and again in the afternoon session. If a pupils fails to attend or arrives late (after 9.15am) then they can be marked as an absence for that session.


If a pupil of compulsory school age (5 years of age) is absent, the register must show whether the absence was authorised (acceptable) or unauthorised (where no acceptable reason is given for absence). Only the school can approve the reason for absence.

Authorised Absence

If your child is genuinely unable to attend school due to sickness, please inform the school at 0113 293 0392 before the start of the day or visit the office. Only the Headteacher can authorise absences by law and may require additional evidence, especially if attendance is already below 95%. Medical appointments should be made outside of school hours. Half-day absence can be authorised for appointments, except in exceptional cases. Contact us if unsure about your child's ability to attend due to illness, as many conditions can be managed in school.

Unauthorised Absence

Parents/carers are legally responsible for ensuring their child regularly attends the school they are registered at. Failure to do so may result in legal action. Penalty Notices of £60 may be issued if your child is absent without authorisation, persistently arrives late, or fails to return after a leave of absence. Unauthorised absence includes holidays, shopping trips, feeling tired, bad weather, non-urgent appointments, and birthdays. The Headteacher only approves leave of absence for exceptional circumstances, not holidays. There are 38 weeks of school per year, leaving 14 weeks (175 days) for family visits, holidays, travel, and non-urgent medical appointments.

Sickness and Absence

Parents should inform the School Office if their child is sick and absent from school. For certain types of illness, the School Office will give advice, based on Public Health England guidance, in relation to when your child should return to school (see below).


For Child Absence Reporting please telephone 0113 293 0392.


If you would like to discuss your child’s attendance, or think we can support or help in any way, please call 0113 293 0392 or email office@gledhowschool.org

Fast Track

If your child’s attendance falls below 95% (without good reason) the school may initiate a Fast Track as a supportive measure. Absences will not be authorised during this time period without verification. You will be notified of a Fast Track via letter. Non improvement of attendance following a Fast Track may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued by Leeds City Council.

Fixed Penalty Notices

Section 444 of the 1996 Education Act says that parents must ensure that their child attends school regularly & on time. If a parent fails to do this the school has the authority to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. This is £60 and increases to £120 if not paid within 28 days. In more serious cases parents may face a fine of up to £2500 or a custodial sentence.

Share by: