Fewer families are taking holidays during term time in the wake of a government crackdown on absenteeism , new figures suggest . The number of days missed by holidaying pupils decreased by almost a third in the past year after a ban on taking children out of lessons for trips . Parents have been fined up to £1,000 and even taken to court since the new policy came into force in September 2013 . Drop : Figures reveal just 3million school days were missed by pupils last year - down 1.4million on 2012-13 . Yesterday , Department for Education figures showed 3million days were missed for holidays in 2013-14 , down from 4.4million in 2012-13 . The latest figure represents a decrease of more than two fifths from 2009-10 , when 5.3million days were missed . Government statisticians said the drop has been fuelled by a fall in the number of authorised breaks - trips approved by the school . There has been a slight rise in the number of unauthorised holidays - indicating that some parents may be deciding to take their child out of school without permission , and instead run the risk of a fine . The latest figures , for the last academic year , are the first to show the impact of strict new rules on pupil absence introduced by former education secretary Michael Gove . Under the changes , heads are now only able to grant leave in ‘ exceptional circumstances ’ and parents can be fined £60 per pupil for taking term time holidays without permission . The cost rises to £120 if it is not paid within 21 days . Fines : The drop is being credited on the new fines system , which sees parents landed with a £60 penalty if they take their children out of school for an 'unauthorised ' absence . Those who fail to pay can face prosecution , with a maximum fine , if convicted , of £2,500 or a jail sentence of up to three months . The National Association of Head Teachers released guidance stating exceptions could be made for family funerals and religious events , but family holidays were unlikely to meet the criterion . Campaigners have said the rules impact the hardest on poorer families who can not afford high travel costs during school breaks , and families with parents that work shifts on or rosters . Travel companies increase their prices significantly in peak seasons when there is more demand . School Reform Minister Nick Gibb said : ‘ Every single lost day counts - which is why as part of our plan for education we have put teachers back in charge so they can clamp down on classroom absence . ‘ Fewer school days are being lost than ever before thanks to our reforms - giving children the best possible chance to succeed . ’
Three school days missed last week , say Department for attendance figures . Number down from 4.4million in 2012 - 13 , and 5.3million in 2009 - 10 . this comes after fine of £ 60 per pupil paid in for missing school . But campaigners say they impact the hardest on poorer pupils .