The holiday term time debate

Taking students out of school could have an effect on their results, but surely if they’re doing well and not in the “hard-core” years then it’s fine?

Jon Platt made the news recently when he took his children out of school in term time to go on a family holiday to Florida. He was initially given a fine of £60, but after refusing to pay, the amount doubled before he went to court with his case, and won.

He was “adamant” that he had done nothing wrong, and argued that Section 444 of the Education Act required parents to make sure their children attended…