Sue and Noel Radford, stars of 22 Kids and Counting, have appeared in court after taking several of their children out of school for a lavish £52,000 ($70,000) family holiday to Disney World earlier this year.
The Radfords (known as the UK’s largest family) travelled to Florida in April to celebrate Sue’s 50th birthday, but the trip ended up landing them in Preston Magistrates’ Court after local authorities fined them for breaching school attendance laws.
Sue and Noel Radford face court over term-time absence
According to LancsLive, nearly all 22 of the couple’s children joined the family trip to the sunshine state, except for their 29-year-old daughter Chloe.
The Radfords, who live in Morecambe, Lancashire, regularly document their adventures on social media and on their Channel 5 reality series.
However, following their return to the UK, the couple was charged with failing to ensure regular school attendance for four of their younger children between March 24 and May 1, 2025.
Both Sue and Noel were found guilty and ordered to pay £65 ($86) per child, along with £118 ($158) in court costs; a total of £378 ($244) in fines.
Government rules on taking children out of school
Under UK education law, parents can be fined or face legal action for taking children out of school during term time without authorization.
According to official government guidance: “A holiday is generally not considered an exceptional circumstance. You cannot usually take your child away during term time.”
Schools and local councils have the power to issue fines or even take parents to court if a child’s absence is not justified.
Possible penalties for term-time holidays
Parents who take children out of school without permission could face the following penalties under UK school attendance rules:
- Parenting Order: Requires parents to attend parenting classes if ordered by the court.
- Education Supervision Order: A council-appointed supervisor helps ensure regular school attendance.
- School Attendance Order: Gives parents 15 days to prove their child is registered at school or being home-schooled. Failure to comply can result in prosecution.
- Fine: Parents can be fined up to £80 ($107) per child, increasing to £160 ($215) if not paid within 21 days.
From the 2024–2025 school year, each parent can receive up to two fines per child within a three-year period. Failure to pay may result in court proceedings for non-attendance.
The Radford family’s Disney celebration
Despite the legal repercussions, the family’s Florida trip appeared to be a joyful occasion.
Sue shared highlights of the Disney World getaway on Instagram, showing the family enjoying rides, food, and fireworks as part of her milestone birthday celebration.
The Radfords have long been a household name in Britain, first rising to fame for managing life with their 22 children, and their ongoing adventures often spark public debate about family finances, parenting choices, and now, school attendance rules.