Unauthorised absences are those which the school does not consider reasonable and for which no authorisation has been given. This type of absence can lead to sanctions and/or legal proceedings. Unauthorised absence includes: Parents/carers keeping students off school unnecessarily Truancy before or during the academy day Absences which have never been properly explained Students who arrive at school after registration has closed. Shopping, looking after other siblings or birthdays Day trips and holidays in term time – trips and holidays should not be taken during term time. Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued by East Sussex Behaviour and Attendance Service for unauthorised holiday absence during term time. This fine is payable at £60 per child, per parent.   We cannot guarantee that we will authorise a student’s leave of absence during term time, as this is only done in exceptional circumstances. If you don’t get permission from the Headteacher, the absence is classed as ‘unauthorised’. If you want to see if an absence can be authorised, you must contact school in advance and get permission from the Headteacher.