Education Penalty Notices

Regular and punctual attendance at school is a legal requirement. It is also an essential obligation that helps pupils to make the most of their education.

If your child is going to be absent from school it must be authorised. Otherwise you may receive an Education Penalty Notice.

What is the cost?

Fines are issued by the council on behalf of schools.

For the 2024-2025 academic year fines are:

  • £80 per parent, per child, if payment is made within 21 days
  • £160 per parent, per child, if paid after 21 days but within 28 days.

If you have already received a Fixed Penalty Notice, a second FPN will result in an automatic £160 fine.

If you have received 2 fines within a 3-year rolling period, your child’s school will have to consider a referral to the local authority for legal escalation, which could be a referral to the Magistrates Court under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and a possible 3-months custodial sentence.

Pay a fine

Please use the button below to make your payments

Pay an Education Penalty Notice

For more information see the following