Department for Education reaction to 'school holidays' ruling

We are pleased the Supreme Court unanimously agreed with our position – that no child should be taken out of school without good reason. As before, headteachers have the ability to decide when exceptional circumstances allow for a child to be absent - but today’s ruling removes the uncertainty for schools and local authorities that was created by the previous judgement.

The evidence shows every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances

We will examine the judgment carefully and will update schools and local authorities as soon as possible, so they are clear what the judgement means for them.