Term Dates
We understand the importance of planning ahead, and term dates are provided here to help parents, carers, and students prepare for the academic year.
2025–2026
| Term | Start Date for Students | End Date for Students |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Term 1 | Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 8:45am | Friday 22 May 2026 at 3:15pm |
| Summer Term 2 | Monday 1 June 2026 at 8:45am | Thursday 23 July 2026 at 3:15pm |
We are closed to students on the following dates:
- Monday 13 April 2026 — INSET day for staff
- Monday 4 May 2026 — Bank Holiday closure
- Friday 26 June 2026 — INSET day for staff
2026–2027
Please be aware that on occasion, dates may need to alter slightly. We will endeavour to notify you in good time should this happen.
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term 1 | 1 September 2026 | 23 October 2026 |
| Autumn Term 2 | 2 November 2026 | 11 December 2026 |
| Spring Term 1 | 4 January 2027 | 12 February 2027 |
| Spring Term 2 | 22 February 2027 | 26 March 2027 |
| Summer Term 1 | 12 April 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Summer Term 2 | 7 June 2027 | 23 July 2027 |
INSET days have not yet been confirmed for the Academic Year 2026–2027.
Timings of the Day
Each day, students typically have a morning and afternoon Tutor Time session, five hours of lessons, a 20-minute morning break, and a 30-minute lunch break.
Students may enter the site from 8:40am each day. They should not arrive earlier unless they have a pre-arranged activity or a meeting with a member of staff.
The Academy day starts at 8:45am. Students who arrive after this time will be marked as late, and repeated offences will lead to a sanction.
The Academy day ends at 3:15pm. Students may leave later if they have detentions. Parents and carers can keep track of any detentions set through ClassCharts.
This means the compulsory academic week is 32 hours and 30 minutes in a typical week, including breaks and lunchtime, but not extracurricular activities.
Leave of Absence Requests
At Q3 Academy Great Barr, we strive to improve attendance for all students so they have the opportunity to reach their full potential and improve future outcomes. Therefore, the Academy will not authorise leave during term time. Any request for a holiday or other leave during term time must be submitted in line with the advice of the Academy attendance office.
It is essential that parents and carers inform the Academy of any leave of absence during term time. The Sandwell Local Authority Leave of Absence form must be completed and returned to the Academy at least 10 days before the leave begins. Failure to inform the Academy of a leave of absence could result in further action being taken by the Local Authority.
If you wish to request a leave of absence, please contact the Attendance Team through the Academy on 0121 358 6186. You will then be advised accordingly, provided with any relevant paperwork, and given a Leave of Absence form to complete.
Under Government guidelines, if parents or carers request a leave of absence during the academic year and continue with their arrangements after the request has been declined, the Academy will be required to inform the Local Authority, which will consider appropriate action.
A Penalty Notice may be issued to each parent/carer, for each child:
- First offence: £80 if paid within 21 days, which will then increase to £160 if paid within 28 days.
- Second offence (within 3 years of the First Offence): Where it is deemed appropriate to issue a second Penalty Notice to the same parent for the same child within 3 years of the first notice, the second Penalty Notice will be charged at £160 to be paid within 28 days. Please note that if the fine is not paid within 28 days or the Local Authority proceed straight to court action you are likely to be prosecuted under S444.1 of the Education Act 1996. The maximum fine the court can impose for a first offence is £1,000 per parent, per child.
- Subsequent offence (within 3 years of the first offence): The Local Authority will proceed straight to court action you are likely to be prosecuted under S444.1 of the Education Act 1996. The maximum fine the court can impose for a first offence is £1,000 per parent, per child.
If you have a history of offences of this nature you may be prosecuted under Section 444(1A) Education Act 1996 and the court can fine you up to £2,500 per child, order payment of the prosecution costs, impose a Parenting Order and/or sentence you to a period of imprisonment of up to 3 months. This reflects the seriousness of unauthorised absence from education.