Term dates, school times and important dates

Holidays and absences in term time

New Government regulations have made it clear that a school or Academy may not grant any leave of absence from school during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Our duty is to ensure all students have complete access to the education provided and we ask for parental support to ensure this happens.

This means:

• A parent does not have the right to take a child out of school for a holiday or absence in term time.
• The school will refuse an application for absence unless parents can demonstrate and prove there are exceptional circumstances relating to the request.
• Absence from the Academy for any reason has a significant effect on learning and is proven to reduce student grades.
• If a holiday or an absence is taken when permission has not been granted, it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence (truancy) and noted on the student’s record of achievement. The information will be sent to Northumberland County Council who will consider whether a fine should be issued. 
• If a student already has poor attendance and an unauthorised absence is taken, the information may be sent to Northumberland County Council Attendance Enforcement Team who will consider legal proceedings at a magistrate’s court.

School times

From September 2022

Ashington Academy operates on a 32.5 hour week on a 50-period timetable.

2024/25 term dates

Autumn Term 2024

Christmas break: 

• School closes: Friday 20^th December
• School reopens: Tuesday 7^th January 2025 

Spring Term 2025

Easter break:

• School closes: Friday 11^th April 2025
• School reopens: Monday 28^th April 2025

Summer Term 2025

School will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 5 May 2025

Summer break: School Closes Friday 18^th July 2025 

School is also closed to pupils for the following professional development days:

• Monday 2^nd September 2024
• Friday 29^th November 2024
• Monday 2^nd December 2024
• Monday 6^th January 2025