New Zealand families planning next year’s school commitments have a new attendance framework to understand, but there is no immediate change to how they should report an absence. The Ministry of Education says new exemption rules and revised attendance codes will apply from Term 1, 2027.
Its 19 October announcement tells schools to continue using existing processes until then. Principals will still decide whether to approve exemptions; the changes are intended to make those decisions and attendance records more consistent.
When an absence may qualify
The framework recognises medical reasons, bereavement, cultural or religious events, participation in recognised provincial, national or international events, and exceptional circumstances. A category does not mean every request is automatically approved.
For families balancing school with cultural or religious commitments, the useful first step is to discuss the particular event with the school. Explain why the student needs to be away, the expected duration and the anticipated return date. Avoid assuming that a trip associated with an event receives the same treatment as the event itself.
Schools are being offered November webinars to prepare staff for the changes, according to the Ministry’s announcement. Parents can ask when their own school expects to explain its updated process.
Longer absences need more evidence
The school-leader guidance sets out three bands: one to five days, six to ten days, and 11 or more days. For shorter absences, a parent’s notification will generally suffice, although principals may request supporting evidence.
At 11 or more consecutive school days, credible evidence must be obtained before an exemption is granted. Depending on the circumstances, this could include health-practitioner information, funeral details, event documentation or confirmation from an appropriate organisation.
Schools should take a proportionate approach to recurring health-related absences and consider information they already hold before seeking more. Families managing a chronic condition can therefore ask what existing documentation the school has.
The guidance also makes clear that term-time holidays, birthdays and discretionary family events are not sufficient exemption grounds. Explaining an absence and obtaining an exemption are separate steps.
The codes on attendance records will change
The Ministry’s 2027 attendance-code guide replaces the broad justified-absence code with four numbered exemption codes. Medical absence keeps its existing M code.
Records will use the language of absences with or without an exemption. Term-time holidays retain a separate non-exempt classification, whether the travel is within New Zealand or overseas.
The update also affects exam periods. The old exam-leave code is being removed, with organised home learning or on-site study and examinations recorded through other codes. Schools will not be able to take students off the timetable during the exam period.
What families can do now
Keep reporting absences through the school’s usual channel. For a planned 2027 absence, ask what information will be needed and who will communicate the decision. Retain the school’s response rather than relying on a general explanation from another family.
When attendance records arrive next year, unfamiliar labels may reflect the new system. Ask the school to explain an entry that does not match your understanding.
This article synthesises Ministry of Education announcements and guidance checked on 25 October 2026. It contains no original interviews and is general information, not advice on an individual exemption decision.
