England and Wales schools urged to create week-long inset weeks for cheaper off-peak family holidays, reducing unauthorised absence fines.

Schools in England and Wales are being urged to group mandatory inset days into week-long "inset weeks" to help families take cheaper, off-peak holidays without triggering unauthorised absence fines. Travel company On the Beach is advocating the shift, noting that package holidays in Spain can cost up to 20% more during school breaks, adding around £337 per person. Nearly 460,000 fines were issued in 2024/25 for unauthorised absences, with daily penalties of £80 or £160. The proposal, supported by some school leaders like Andy Stirland of Python Hill Academy, aims to balance family vacation needs with attendance requirements, offering a practical solution to a persistent challenge.