A school on the Isle of Wight has refused to authorise an absence for a nine-year-old boy to attend a D-Day event in honour of his grandfather.
Jack Sheath's parents hoped to take their son out of school for the day on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth.
However, his school - Broadlea Primary School in Sandown - claimed the reason for the absence did not meet the criteria for "exceptional circumstances".
The school said they realise Jack will still be attending the event with his father, Phil Sheath, but will be forced to register it as an "unauthorised absence" under government guidance.
Jack Sheath's parents hoped to take their son out of school for the day on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth
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The nine-year-old wanted join the one-off event - which the King is attending - to pay his respects to his D-Day veteran grandfather and other fallen heroes.
"We were shocked and angry and it just boiled my blood", his father Phil told the County Press.
"We demanded a meeting with the head teacher who explained that if it was a funeral, wedding or a graduation of a sibling then it would be exceptional."
Broadlea’s head teacher, Lynn Torrance sent an email to Phil in which she acknowledged that the family will be "disappointed" with the decision but appreciates the importance of him going to the event.
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She wrote: "I hope that you both really enjoy the commemorative event and we will look forward to hearing all about it from Jack."
Jack’s late grandfather and Phil’s dad, Leonard Sheath, served in the Royal Navy during D-Day.
The pupil said he understands "it’s not the school’s fault" but is angered by its "guidelines".
His school confirmed that the family would not be receiving a fine.
Spitfires with D-Day markings are being used as part of the commemoration
GB NewsA spokesperson for the Isle of Wight council said: "While the decision to authorise an absence is made by individual headteachers, Department for Education guidance is that absence from school, other than for illness, should only be authorised in exceptional circumstances."
Crowds cheered a ferry carrying D-Day veterans to France for the 80th anniversary commemorations as it set sail from Portsmouth this morning.
Crowds waving Union and D-Day flags gathered on the Round Tower and harbour walls in Old Portsmouth and cheered and clapped as the ferry passed.
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