New data has revealed that Blackburn’s Pleckgate School has handed out almost double the number of fines for unauthorised absences as any other in the borough.

A Freedom of Information request, submitted by the Lancashire Telegraph, asked how many fines were handed out for absences by Blackburn with Darwen Council at specific schools so far in 2024.

The data, which stretches from January 1 to November 21, revealed parents at Pleckgate School were fined 270 times, which equated to 100 more fines than Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, which had the second most.

Fixed penalty notices are issued for unauthorised absences, with the majority of these being issued for term-time holidays.

Michelle Holt, Deputy Director for Education at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The Council and schools in Blackburn with Darwen are committed to helping all children achieve regular attendance at school by working with children and young people, their carers, parents and families to support them in this. Every moment in school counts and can make a real difference to a child’s attainment.

“Where a request for a penalty notice is made by a school, we do consider if the notice should be issued in line with the national framework, our local code of conduct, the public interest and after considering any obligations under the Equality Act 2010.

“The money raised by the issuing of fines is used to administer the system, including court costs, and also to fund attendance support in the borough.”

Other secondary schools and their number of fines in the borough were Darwen Vale High (164), Blackburn Central High School (148), Our Lady & St John High (145), and St Wilfrids (122).

Primary schools, though smaller in pupil numbers, also saw a considerable number of fines.

Previously uncovered data from the Lancashire Telegraph revealed that parents in the borough were issued invoices totalling £169,260 in the last financial year.

Lammack Primary ranked the highest of all the Primary Schools, receiving 110 fines overall, followed by St Stephen’s Primary with 105, and several others like St Barnabas & St Paul’s and St Michael with St John, which each issued between 90 and 91 fines.

Only five schools in the authority had no reports of fines, with these being Holy Trinity Primary, Lower Darwen Primary School, Newfield Special School, St Stephens Tockholes and The Heights.

According to the Government, all schools are required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (five school days) for unauthorised reasons. 

From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country is £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. This rate is in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012. 

Parents must ensure their child attends every day that their school is open, unless: 

  • Your child is too ill to attend that day. 
  • You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances. 
  • Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance. 
  • Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet. 
  • You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school.

Pleckgate High School have been contacted for comment.