School attendance and absenteeism

Verified 06 November 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

A child enrolled in a school, college or high school must attend the classes scheduled in his or her schedule. Absences are controlled and can be sanctioned. We present you the information to know about theschool attendance and theabsenteeism.

Your child must attend classes scheduled in his schedule except if he has a leave of absence.

Your child must also perform the written and oral work requested by the teachers. It must respect the content of the programs and submit to the knowledge checks that are organized.

You must justify any absence of your child, regardless of the date and reason.

At the time of your child's first enrollment (during a meeting or interview), the school principal will present the -. This document specifies how absences are monitored and monitored. You have to sign it.

An absence shall be authorized for the following reasons:

  • Illness of the child (or a relative if contagious)
  • Solemn family reunion (wedding, funeral, etc.)
  • Inhibition caused by an accidental problem in transport
  • Child who follows his legal representatives (travel outside school holidays)

Any other reason for absence may be examined and authorized by the national education authorities.

In case of absence of your child, you must inform as soon as possible the principal or head teacher, indicating the reason for the absence.

You must report your child's absence to their school, whatever the motive.

If this is a foreseeable absence, you must inform the establishment in advance, indicating the reason.

Please note

You must provide a medical certificate only if your child has a contagious disease.

The rules are different at school and in secondary education (middle and high school).

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At school

The teacher makes the call of the students.

If they find that your child is absent, they immediately report it to the school's management. The establishment then contacts you to find out the reason for this absence.

All absences (duration and reasons) of your child are recorded in a file. This document is open only for the current school year.

In the event of repeated absences, justified or not, the school principal will contact you to take stock of your child's situation.

FYI  

An absence is considered as unjustified from 1e time of absence of the child without legitimate reason or valid apology.

From 1re unjustified absence

Your child's teacher or school principal will contact you to remind you of the importance of school attendance and acceptable reasons for absences.

If you do not provide the reasons for your child's absence or if you give incorrect reasons, the school principal will inform the Dasen: titleContent. The Dasen sends you a warning remembering the criminal sanctions you face. It also informs you about parental support devices (for example, parenting support networks).

From 4 half-days of unjustified absences in the month

The director of the school brings together the educational team. Together, they look for the causes of absenteeism. Accompanying measures are then proposed. A document summarizing the measures taken is then signed by you and the school administration.

One education staff referent is designated to accompany you. The goal is to help your child meet the school attendance requirement. The reference staff is usually the teacher of the class.

Beyond 10 half days in the month

The Director will invite you to attend a meeting with the relevant members of the educational community. An appropriate support and accompaniment system must be put in place. The implementation of this system is the subject of a contract. He informs the Dasen of the situation.

If the absenteeism situation continues, the Dasen shall refer the matter to the public prosecutor.

In middle school and high school

The teacher makes the call of the students.

If your child is absent, he or she will immediately report it to the college or high school management. The establishment then contacts you to find out the reason for this absence.

All absences (duration and reasons) of your child are recorded in a file. This document is open only for the current school year.

In the event of repeated absences, justified or not, the head teacher will contact you to take stock of your child's situation.

FYI  

An absence is considered as unjustified from 1e time of absence of the child without legitimate reason or valid apology.

From 1re unjustified absence

Your child is summoned by the Senior Education Counselor (CPE). He reminds him of the importance of attendance and contacts you.

If you do not provide the reasons for your child's absence or if you give incorrect reasons, the school principal will inform the Dasen: titleContent. The Dasen sends you a warning remembering the criminal sanctions you face. It also informs you about parental support devices.

From 4 half-days of unjustified absences in the month

The head of the school summons you. It reminds you of your obligations and the accompanying measures that can be put in place to restore the child's attendance. It also informs the social service of the establishment of the situation.

The head of the school also brings together the relevant members of the education committee. Together, they look for the causes of absenteeism. Accompanying measures are then proposed. A document summarizing the measures taken is then signed by you and the management of the establishment.

Beyond 10 half days in the month

The head teacher will invite you to a meeting with the relevant members of the educational community. An appropriate support and accompaniment system must be put in place. The implementation of the system is the subject of a contract. The head of the institution appoints a referent responsible for monitoring this system. He informs the Dasen of the situation.

If the absenteeism situation continues, the Dasen shall refer the matter to the public prosecutor.

FYI  

If the police find your child on the street, in a performance hall or in a public place, without proof, during school hours, he is taken immediately to the school where he is enrolled.

If you continue, after a warning given by the Dasen: titleContent, not requiring your child to attend school and if you do not justify your child's absence or give incorrect reasons, you risk a fine of €750.

If these unjustified absences jeopardize your child's education, you risk 2 years in prison and €30,000 of a fine.

Please note

Absenteeism of children is not a reason for suspending family allowances.

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