To pay online, you need to scroll down the payment list and select ‘Sundry invoices‘.
Find out more about penalty notices information and leave of absence in term time.
Pay a school absence fine
Penalty notice for unauthorised school absences
If your child misses school without a good reason, the headteacher can ask us to issue you with a penalty notice.
Anyone who has parental responsibility for the child will receive a penalty notice of:
- £60 if paid within 21 days
- £120 if paid within 28 days
From 19 August 2024, the penalty notice has increased to:
- for first offence – £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
- for second offence – £160 if paid within 28 days
If you do not pay the penalty notice after 28 days, you may be prosecuted.
Find out who is defined as a parent on GOV.UK.
Read more about Penalty Notice – Leave of Absence in term time.
Pay online
To pay your penalty notice online you’ll need:
- the transaction number or customer number from your penalty notice
- account name and address
- a credit or debit card.
You can pay your penalty notice online. You need to scroll down the payment list and select ‘Sundry invoices‘.
Pay by bank transfer
You can pay through your banking app. Please make sure you enter the reference number from your penalty notice letter as the reference. You’ll need to make a separate payment for each penalty notice.
- Account Name: Portsmouth City Council
- Sort Code: 20-69-57
- Account Number: 23526623
Pay by phone
Our Cashiers Team can take payments by debit or credit card over the phone.
You can call 023 9283 4398 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4pm) or call our 24-hour automated service 0800 876 6576.
Please have the reference number from your penalty notice letter and your debit or credit card to hand. Sometimes, the lines are very busy and there may be a wait to be connected.
Other ways to pay
If you are unable to pay using any of the above methods, email us at schoolattendanceteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for more information.