UK Government Raises Fines for Unauthorised School Absences by 33%

The increase aims to standardize penalties across England and boost attendance, amid concerns over penalizing struggling families.

The UK government announces a 33% increase in fines for unauthorised school absences in England, raising penalties from £60 to £80 initially, with a subsequent increase to £160 if not paid within 28 days.
New national guidelines require a fine to be considered if a child misses five days of school over a 10-week period, aiming to standardise the approach across local authorities.
The measures, including the fine increase and the requirement for schools to share daily attendance data, are part of a broader effort to boost school attendance post-pandemic.
Critics argue that higher fines may penalize struggling families without effectively addressing the root causes of absenteeism, such as mental health issues and economic hardship.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan emphasizes improving attendance as her top priority, while opponents call for more targeted resources to understand and mitigate the reasons behind absences.