A furious mother who was fined for taking her son on a £3,000 holiday has called the fine 'despicable', claiming that their trip to Egypt was 'educational'.
Michelle Partington and her husband, Andrew, took their 12-year-old son Oliver out of school for 10 days on June 1.
The 46-year-old said she wanted to cheer up her son after he switched schools in April due to bullying, but 'couldn't afford' the trip during the official holiday period, when prices skyrocketed by £2,000.
She argued the trip, which included snorkelling, quad biking and visiting historic sites, was educational because of Egypt's rich history. However, the school rejected her request for authorised leave.
She said: 'The holiday was worth it despite the fine. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and it was magical. We certainly couldn't afford to go to Egypt [during the school holidays], maybe Pontins or Haven or something.
