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Study leave for pupils: requirements and guidance

Find out if you can grant study leave and what you need to consider when granting it for pupils in year 11, 12 and 13. Plus, learn which absence codes to use, and whether study leave counts towards attendance figures.

Last reviewed on 12 April 2023
School types: All•School phases: Secondary•Ref: 8721
Contents
  1. You can grant study leave to pupils in year 11 and above 
  2. Consider if study leave would benefit your pupils
  3. Provide for your pupils who want to revise in school
  4. Recording study leave: absence codes and statistics 
  5. Examples of study leave procedures in schools

You can grant study leave to pupils in year 11 and above 

For pupils in year 11

Study leave should:

  • Not be granted by default once the exam syllabus has been taught
  • Be used sparingly
  • Only be granted during public examinations

A representative from the DfE clarified that you can only grant study leave once exams have started. 

Check your exam board's timetables to find out when you can start granting study leave.

If you do decide to grant study leave to these pupils, provision must still be made available for pupils who want to come into school to revise (more on this below).

This is set out on page 60 of the DfE's non-statutory guidance on working together to improve school attendance.

For pupils in years 12 and 13

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)

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Also in "Absence data and expectations"