Parents could find themselves slapped with fines of up to £160 if they let their children miss school on Monday following the crunch World Cup clash between England and Mexico.

Schools will not be directed to open later by the government this Monday (July 6) following England’s late 1am kick-off UK time in the crucial World Cup knockout tie.

The Department for Education confirmed to the Express today that schools will not be directed to open later or to be more lenient on unplanned absences for pupils.

England will face off against Mexico in the Round of 16 tie on Monday morning which could see the game end as late as 3.30am if it goes all the way to extra time and penalties.

When asked whether schools would be told they could open later on Monday, the Department directed us to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s recent radio interview in which she said: “My view remains unchanged. Families will want to watch the game, it’s incredibly important, I understand that. But it’s not the end of the world if kids are a bit tired the next day in school, it’s more important that they’re there.”

Asked if the Department would urge schools to be more lenient with unplanned absences on Monday, the answer was a resounding “nope”.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has encouraged parents to allow their children to stay up late to watch the game.

While decisions on issuing fines are devolved to local councils, the fine for a child missing school through an unplanned absence is £80, which doubles to £160 if not paid within 21 days.

Some councils do not usually issue a fine for one absence, but will monitor attendance across multiple days of missed school before issuing a fine. In such cases, a fine could still result on Monday depending on their prior attendance.

The Government’s own guidance says: “Your local council can give each parent a fine of £80, rising to £160 if you do not pay within 21 days.

“From the 2024 to 2025 school year, each parent will only get up to two fines for the same child in a three-year period.

“If you get a second fine in three years it will be £160. If you do not pay the fine in 28 days you may be taken to court for keeping your child out of school.

“If your child is off school three or more times within the three years you will not be fined but may be taken to court.”

Leeds Council states in its guidance: “Parents or carers are responsible for making sure that their child attends school. If a child is absent, their school or a local authority Attendance Improvement Officer will get in touch to find out why.

“We are responsible for issuing fines (also known as a penalty notice) on behalf of schools in Leeds.

“Fines are £80 per child, per parent if paid within 21 days. If paid between 22 and 28 days, the fine is £160 per child, per parent. This covers the whole period of the child’s absence and paid in full.

“If the fine is not paid, parents or carers face prosecution.”

Other local authorities also apply the same government rules, though many councils use a five- or 10-day rule before issuing a fine.

In such cases, if an absence on Monday would tip a pupil over the limit, then it could result in a fine.

Tower Hamlets in London and Bristol Council both use a five-day rule, issuing fines for unauthorised leave/holidays during term time for missing five days in total.

Bristol Council says: “In most cases your child or young person’s school will give a warning that you may get an Education Penalty Notice. This warning is sometimes called a ‘Notice to Improve’ warning letter. If a child or young person has taken holiday in term time without letting the school know in advance, a warning may not always be given.”