A father from Hyde, Greater Manchester, is embroiled in a dispute with his sons' school after his request for authorised absence to allow them to visit their grandfather's grave in Greece was denied. Callum Dickson expressed his profound disappointment and confusion over Pinfold Primary School's decision, particularly given the sudden and tragic circumstances of his father's death.
Mr Dickson's 77-year-old father, John, passed away from a heart attack on 26th May while on holiday in Halkidiki. Due to Greek Orthodox religious traditions, which mandate burial within five days, the family was unable to travel to Greece in time for the funeral on 30th May. The planned trip was intended to allow his sons, aged five and six, to pay their respects at their grandfather's final resting place and provide much-needed support to his 64-year-old mother, Debra, who remains in Greece.
Mr Dickson described the school's refusal as an 'injustice', stating that he feels the decision lacks logic and has caused additional stress during an already difficult time for the family. He highlighted that this trip represents the children's only opportunity to see where their grandfather is buried. The family now faces the prospect of a fine for taking the children out of school for an unauthorised absence, a concern adding to their bereavement.
Pinfold Primary School, located in Hattersley, stated that it does not publicly comment on individual pupils, families, or specific attendance matters. However, Mr Dickson recounted that the head teacher expressed condolences but informed him that permission for absence could only be granted in 'exceptional circumstances', a criterion they evidently felt his situation did not meet.
This current request follows an earlier attempt by Mr Dickson to secure authorised absence for his sons to accompany their grandparents on a holiday, following his father's prostate cancer diagnosis in late 2025. He acknowledged this was outside of school holidays but stressed the importance of making 'precious memories'. Mr Dickson has now formally appealed the school's decision to its board of governors and is awaiting their response, hoping to prevent other families from facing similar challenges during bereavement.
Paying tribute to his father, Mr Dickson shared that John, though not his biological father, had been a father figure for 27 years and meant 'everything' to him, always 'going above and beyond for everyone'. The family now understands John suffered from undiagnosed chronic heart disease, making his passing even more sudden and shocking.