Requesting Leave of Absence (Holidays in Term Time)
In the first instance, please send requests for holidays in term time to the Head Teacher, via email to head@milnthorpe.cumbria.sch.uk, or in writing. Please include the dates requested and the reason for the request. The Head Teacher will respond via email, to either 'authorise' or 'unauthorise' the request. This is in accordance with guidance from the Department of Education.
The Government have issued a list of exceptional reasons for holidays in term time, which are as follows:
- family needs, arising from service in the armed forces or from a parent working abroad
- bereavements
- exceptional family ceremonies
- a holiday necessitated due to a disability or illness in the family
Schools have also been advised that the cost of holidays or work rotas of parents can no longer be considered exceptional reasons.
Follow the link to the Department of Education website for more details https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence
Please come in to speak with Mr Macfarlane if you have any questions or queries.
School Term Dates
School year 2025/2026
| Term | Start of term | Half term holiday | End of term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Wednesday 3 September 2025 |
Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October 2025 |
Friday 19 December 2025 Finish at 1.30pm |
| Spring | Wednesday 7 January 2026 | Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February 2026 | Friday 27 March 2026 Finish at 1.30pm |
| Summer | Monday 13 April 2026 | Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026 |
Friday 17 July 2026 |
School year 2026/2027
| Term | Start of term | Half term holiday | End of term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026 |
Friday 18 December 2026 Finish at 1.30pm |
| Spring | Wednesday 5 January 2027 | Monday 15 February to Friday 19 February 2027 | Friday 25 March 2027 Finish at 1.30pm |
| Summer | Monday 12 April 2027 | Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June 2027 |
Friday 16 July 2027 |