When Holidays Clash with Education: How the Travel Industry Fuels the Attendance Crisis
School attendance in the UK has become one of the most pressing challenges in education. Headlines warn of persistent absence, government messaging tells parents “every day counts,” and fines are issued to those who take their children out of school during term time.
But there’s a side of this debate we rarely talk about: the role of the travel and tourism industry.
The Cost of Timing
Let’s take one example.
At Center Parcs, a 4-night stay in a 3-bed family lodge starting 25th August (still in school holidays) is priced at £1,599. The exact same stay beginning 4th September, when children are back in school, costs £779.
That’s an £820 difference, more than a month’s worth of food and energy bills for many families.
So, when we talk about families “choosing” to take children out of school, is it really a choice? Or is it simply the only way they can afford a holiday?
The Messy Reality of Attendance
Parents are constantly reminded that every day in school matters. Those who take children out during term time risk fines, and schools point to research showing how even small amounts of absence can affect attainment.
Yet the financial realities tell a different story. Travel companies increase prices outside term time, making the dream of a family break unaffordable for many. For households already balancing tight budgets, the temptation to go a week early can be overwhelming.
This isn’t about parents disregarding education. It’s about the real-life economics that drive behaviour.
Who Holds Responsibility?
At present, the burden falls almost entirely on schools and parents. Schools are expected to police attendance. Parents are expected to absorb higher costs or forgo holidays altogether.
But perhaps it’s time to broaden the conversation. Shouldn’t government, education, and the travel industry share responsibility for finding a solution?
Working Together: A Call for Collaboration
There are no easy answers, but here are some possibilities worth exploring:
Policy interventions: Could government incentivise travel companies to smooth out price peaks during school holidays?
Partnerships with the sector: Could schools and travel providers collaborate to create affordable, education-friendly holiday options?
Reframing attendance: Could we strike a balance between strict attendance policies and acknowledging the broader socio-economic pressures families face?
Until these conversations happen, attendance will remain a complex issue. No slogan, fine, or headline will fix it alone.
Moving Forward
The attendance crisis is often painted as a matter of discipline, but the reality is more nuanced. Families aren’t just making “bad choices” — they’re navigating a system that prices them out of memories unless they sacrifice milestones.
If we want to take attendance seriously, we need to look beyond sanctions and towards collaboration. Education, government, and the travel industry must come together to ensure families aren’t forced into impossible decisions.
Because in the end, it’s not just about attendance figures — it’s about fairness, opportunity, and the kind of society we want to build.