Can a child be signed off school with anxiety in the UK?
Parents often ask their GP for a note signing their child off. Here's how it actually works in England.
There's no school sick note system
Unlike adult fit notes for work, there's no official form for signing a child off school. Parents report illness, and schools authorise it. DfE guidance says schools should not usually need medical evidence.
What a GP letter can do
A short GP letter describing the anxiety and its effect can still help, especially if the school is doubting you, or for a Section 19 request. Some practices charge for letters. An appointment record or referral letter can also be used.
What to give the school
A written notice of illness asking for Code I, a summary of the medical steps you've taken, and a request for a support meeting. Our free absence letter covers all three.
Questions parents ask
Can a GP sign my child off school?
There's no formal sign-off, but a GP letter can support your request for absence to be authorised as illness.
More guides
General information for families in England, not legal or medical advice. Checked against DfE guidance current in 2026.