Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Allow parents to take their children out of school for up to 20 days a year

Closed 2,735 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to give parents the right to take their children out of school for up to 20 days a year, without facing fines or the threat of prosecution. There are many good reasons why a parent might want to take their child out of school during term time.
Parents might need to take their child out of school for religious pilgrimages, because they can't afford to go on holiday during school holidays, or - like me - to visit the grave of a family member buried in another country. Travel can also be educational for children.

Timeline

13 Sep 2023 Petition opened for signatures
13 Mar 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 2,735
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 13 Sep 2023
Closed 13 Mar 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.