You should only grant study leave for public exams
This is for pupils in year 11 and above, provided they are studying for a public examination.
Study leave should also:
- Not be granted by default once the exam syllabus has been taught
- Be used sparingly
This is explained in paragraph 329 of the DfE's statutory attendance guidance.
The guidance also confirms that study leave should not be granted for any internal examinations, such as mocks (see paragraph 37).
You can grant study leave before public exams begin
However, it must be specifically for the purpose of studying for those examinations.
Consider whether study leave would benefit your pupils
It's up to you to decide whether to grant study leave – it's not an entitlement.
Your pupils' home situations – will they have somewhere suitable to study? Whether your pupils are likely to be able to self-motivate if not in school and supervised Whether you can offer remote