Eid falls on school days most years. Parents often worry about fines for absence.
The rule (England)
Absence on a day “exclusively set apart for religious observance by the religious body to which the parent belongs” is treated as authorised. For most families, that covers the day of Eid al-Fitr and the day of Eid al-Adha.
What to do
- At the start of the school year, check the expected Eid dates.
- Write to the school a few weeks before: “Our child will be absent on Eid al-Fitr, expected on [date], for religious observance. The exact date depends on the moon sighting; we will confirm the evening before.”
- Confirm by email or phone on the evening before Eid.
Extra days
| Situation | Typically |
|---|---|
| The day of Eid | Authorised religious observance |
| Day after Eid | At the head teacher’s discretion |
| Travel abroad for Eid | Rarely authorised in term time |
Other nations
Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; check with your school.
Make the day count
Eid prayer, family visits and Sunnahs. See Eid Sunnahs and explaining Eid to classmates.
Teacher’s tip: many schools are happy to mark Eid with an assembly or display. Offering to help builds goodwill for future requests.
General information, not legal advice.
