Leave of Absence from Compulsory Education – Updated According to the 2024 Education Act
According to the new Opplæringsloven (2024), students in primary and lower secondary education are no longer entitled to be granted leave from school for up to 10 days. The previous general rule allowing discretionary leave of up to two weeks has been replaced.
Under § 2-11 of the 2024 Education Act:
“The municipality (represented by the principal at the school level) may only grant leave from compulsory education when there are compelling reasons (særlige grunner) that justify the absence. Leave may be granted for up to two weeks (10 school days). The school must assess each case individually, considering the best interests of the child and the impact of the absence on the student’s learning and development.”
This means that there is no automatic right to take leave for up to 10 days, even if requested in advance. Leave may only be granted if the reason qualifies as compelling, such as:
- Serious illness in the family
- Participation in significant cultural or sporting events
- Religious holidays (see below)
Applications for leave must be submitted in advance. The principal decides whether the application meets the legal criteria. If the leave request exceeds 10 days, the principal must reject the application.
Loss of School Placement in Private Schools
For private schools, § 3-13 of the Private School Act (Privatskoleloven) still applies. It states:
“When appropriate, the school may grant a student leave of absence for up to two weeks. The decision is an individual administrative decision (enkeltvedtak) and follows the procedures in the Public Administration Act (Forvaltningsloven). Complaints can be submitted to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren).”
If a student is absent for more than 10 consecutive school days without valid permission, the school may consider the placement as forfeited. In such cases, parents may reapply for admission, but if there is a waiting list, the next eligible student will be offered the place.
Religious Holidays
Students belonging to religious communities outside the Church of Norway retain the right to be absent on days their faith observes as holy. However, parents must ensure that the student receives necessary tuition during the absence so that the child can keep up with the school’s teaching.
Consequences of Unauthorized Absence
According to § 2-1, fifth paragraph, of the Education Act:
“If a pupil is absent from compulsory education without permission, the parents or legal guardians may be held financially liable if the absence results from intentional or negligent actions. Prosecution will not be initiated unless decided by the municipality.”
In cases of extended or repeated unauthorized absence, or if the student’s right to education is significantly compromised, the school may contact the Child Welfare Services (Barnevernet).
Parents should use the application form below: