From 1st September 2013 the flexibility given to headteachers to authorise up to 10 days holiday in term time has been removed.  These government amendments to the 2006 regulations remove references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make it clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances, which should be discussed in advance with the headteacher. Because of this change, any holiday in term time will be marked as unauthorised absence.