The majority of parents with school-aged children (69%) think it is unfair that those attending private schools are not liable for fines if they take their children out of school during term-time for holidays.
Many private schools have shorter terms and longer holidays, meaning they can potentially avoid peak travel times.
A study for Travelzoo found that 73% of parents say this is also unjust, especially as research shows an increase of over 80% in flights to popular destinations between the date private schools break up and the date state schools finish for the summer.
Despite last September’s clampdown by the government which removed ‘family holiday’ as a reason to take children out of school during term-time, half of parents admit to having done so and to have concealed the reasons why. A further 53% said they would continue to do so.
More than half (56%) believe that the decision lies with the parents when taking children out of school during term-time.
It is argued by 53% of parents that if a child’s attendance is above 90% then a holiday during term-time should be allowed (53%).
Three quarters support the idea of staggering school holidays; however some argue that it comes with the risk of longer periods of time of increased holiday prices, which in turn could affect more holidaymakers.