Grieving son fights school absence ruling 'injustice'

A dad of two has said he cannot understand why his children's school has refused to grant authorised leave for them to visit their grandfather's grave after he died while on holiday in Greece.

Callum Dickson, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, said they wanted to go to Halkidiki to support his mum, who remains there after her husband died from a heart attackon 26 May.

The 77-year-old was buried in Greece within five days of his death for religious reasonsand so, while his family were unable to attend his funeral, they wanted to be able to pay their respects.

Pinfold Primary School in Hattersley said it did not comment publicly on individual pupils, families or specific attendance matters.

Callum said his father's sudden death had been difficult enough to cope with for the family, including his partner Jordon, without the added stress of facing a fine for taking their sons - aged five and six - out of school for this unauthorised absence.

"It just doesn't seem logical and everyone I've spoken to can't believe that was the decision they came to," he said.

"It's a chance for the children to see where he is buried," he said.

Callum said he felt the decision was "an injustice", adding that his dad John, who was also a great grandfather, would be proud of him in questioning this as "he didn't like injustice".

"I don't want anyone else to have to deal with anything like this," he added.

Callum said his 64-year-old mother Debra wanted them to be there in Halkidiki for support and so they could accompany her on the flight home.

John, from Denton, died having had what the family now know was undiagnosed chronic heart disease.

He was buried on 30 May, according to Greek Orthodox tradition which requires burial to take place within five days, meaning Callum and his family could not fly out in time for the funeral.

Callum said he last saw his father on 6 May, a few days before he flew out to Greece.

Following their retirement, the couple regularly enjoyed spending about seven weeks at a time at their home in the village of Fourka, making many friends in the community there over the years, Callum said.

Paying tribute to his dad, he said: "I owe him everything. He wasn't my biological father but he has been my father for 27 years.

"He meant everything to me. I'm going to miss him.

"I can't believe he's gone. It was so quick and I didn't get a chance to tell him one last time that I loved him.

"He made me the person I am today and he made me realise what it is to be a dad."

He added that his dad "always went above and beyond for everyone".

Callum said he had approached the school's board of governors to appeal the decision and was awaiting their response.

Callum said they had originally asked the school to authorise the children's absence so they could join their grandparents for a holiday, since John had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2025.

The 30-year-old said he recognised this was out of the school holiday period but they wanted to make precious memories with their family and this was the only time they could afford to go there.

Callum said he approached the school to inform them of his father's death and to ask if they would grant permission for three days of authorised absence in the circumstances, covering the time taken to fly out and back and one day to visit his grave.

He said the head teacher expressed their condolences but he was informed they could only grant permission in "exceptional circumstances" and this had not been deemed to meet their requirements for this.

"This is our chance to go over and see where he is and to spend some time there," said Callum.

A school spokesperson said: "We would like to express our condolences to the family following their bereavement.

"We do not comment publicly on individual pupils, families or specific attendance matters and therefore cannot discuss the circumstances of any individual case."

They said all requests for leave of absence during term time were considered carefully and consistently in accordance with relevant legislation, Department for Education guidance and the school's attendance policy.

"Decisions are made on the basis of the information available at the time of the request and the applicable criteria for authorising absence," they said.

The school had a responsibility to promote and support high levels of attendance, recognising the significant impact regular attendance has on pupils' education and wellbeing, they added, with requests for leave of absence "considered on a case-by-case basis".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.