[Sender’s Address]
SS2B, Unity Secondary School,
No. 14, Oladimeji Street,
Enugu, Enugu State.
23rd September, 2025.
The Principal,
Unity Secondary School,
Enugu, Enugu State.
Dear Sir,
REQUEST FOR LEAVE DUE TO FAMILY EMERGENCY
I respectfully write to seek your kind permission to be absent from school for a period of one week, from Monday, 29th September to Friday, 3rd October, 2025, due to a pressing family emergency that requires my immediate presence at home.
Sir, my father, who is the breadwinner of our family, recently suffered a serious health challenge. He has been scheduled for surgery at the University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, and my mother, being overwhelmed with preparations and hospital visits, needs my assistance in taking care of my younger siblings during this period. As the eldest child, my presence at home is very crucial to ensure that the family remains stable and that my younger brothers and sisters are properly cared for.
While I fully understand the importance of regular school attendance, I hope you will kindly consider my request in light of the unavoidable circumstances. I have already informed my class teacher, who has assured me of support in keeping track of assignments and lessons I may miss. I also plan to meet with my classmates to collect notes and explanations so that I will not fall behind in my studies.
Sir, I value the discipline and standards upheld in our school, and I am committed to ensuring that my temporary absence does not negatively affect my academic performance. I promise to work hard to cover all missed lessons immediately upon my return. In addition, I will seek extra guidance from subject teachers where necessary to maintain my good academic standing.
I sincerely appeal for your understanding and approval of this leave request. I assure you that once the family emergency is settled, I will return to school promptly and continue with my studies diligently.
Thank you for your anticipated kind consideration.
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Chinonso Eze
SS2B Student
What Examiners Want to See
- Proper Letter Format – correct addresses, date, salutation, and subject line.
- Clear Request – leave of absence for a family emergency.
- Reason for Leave – explained politely and convincingly (father’s health, family support).
- Acknowledgement of Responsibility – plans to keep up with schoolwork.
- Tone – respectful, humble, and formal.
- Commitment – assurance to return promptly and maintain performance.
- Length – at least 450 words with logical flow.
Tips for Students
- Always state specific reason for the leave (illness, family emergency, etc.).
- Give exact duration of leave.
- Show readiness to catch up with missed work.
- Use a polite, respectful tone throughout.
- End with an assurance of continued diligence after resumption.