At Boston West Academy, we are committed to ensuring that every child attends school regularly. Good attendance is vital for children’s learning, progress, wellbeing and success in school. 

All requests for leave of absence, including holidays during term time, family days out, attendance at weddings, and other planned events, must be submitted using our online form:

Complete a Leave of Absence Request 

Please note that medical appointments (with supporting evidence) and pupil illness should be reported directly to the school office through the usual absence reporting procedures and do not require a leave of absence request form.

Requests should be submitted as far in advance as possible and before any bookings are made. 

Please note that submitting a request does not mean that the absence will be authorised. 

 

What Happens Next? 

Once your request has been submitted: 

1. The school will consider the information provided and any supporting evidence. 

2. The request will be reviewed in line with attendance legislation and the school's Attendance Policy. 

3. You will receive a written response confirming whether the absence has been:  

• Authorised 

• Unauthorised 

• Partially authorised and partially unauthorised 

Each request is considered individually and on its own merits. 

 

Holidays During Term Time 

The law states that headteachers may only authorise leave of absence during term time in exceptional circumstances. 

As a result, holidays taken during term time will normally be recorded as unauthorised absence. 

We strongly encourage families to arrange holidays during school holiday periods wherever possible to minimise disruption to children's education and learning. 

 

Penalty Notices 

A Penalty Notice may be issued where a child accumulates 10 unauthorised sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) within a 10-week period. 

The current Penalty Notice charge is: 

• £80 per parent, per child if paid within the required timeframe. 

• The charge may increase if payment is not received within the specified period. 

Penalty Notices are issued in accordance with Local Authority and Department for Education guidance. 

 

Attendance Policy 

Further information about: 

• Leave of absence requests 

• Authorised and unauthorised absences 

• Attendance expectations 

• Penalty Notices 

• Support for attendance concerns 

can be found in our: Attendance Policy.

 

Need Help? 

If you have any questions regarding attendance or a leave of absence request, please contact the school office: 

📧 info@bostonwest.anthemtrust.uk 
📞 01205 366013 

Thank you for supporting us in ensuring that every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed through excellent attendance.