Britain’s Largest Family With 22 Kids Faces Court Action Over a $70,000 Disney Vacation
Sue and Noel Radford, parents to 22 children, planned a Disney World vacation to mark Sue’s 50th birthday. The couple, known for their reality show 22 Kids and Counting, covered nearly every cost for their children and grandchildren. The getaway totaled around $70,000 and was meant to be part of a year of celebrations.
After returning to the UK, the family faced unexpected backlash. The lavish trip sparked legal concerns over finances and data use, putting the Radfords back in the spotlight and prompting fresh debate about their lifestyle and spending choices.
Court Fine Issued for Missed School Attendance
Image via Canva/SUWANNAR KAWILA
Between late March and early May, four of the Radford children were marked absent from school without permission. This led to legal action at Preston Magistrates’ Court, where both parents were found guilty of failing to ensure regular school attendance. They were fined $88 per child, plus court fees of $160, which brought their total penalty to $1,024.
The UK Department for Education maintains strict rules around absence, and local authorities are expected to enforce those standards when necessary. A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council explained that the responsibility to approve or deny absences lies with the school’s headteacher. The council supports schools in discouraging unauthorized leave and believes that consistent attendance is linked to improved academic performance. Penalty notices are one of several options available to enforce compliance.
In this case, the Radfords’ decision to travel during term time was not considered a valid reason for missing school.
Data Privacy Complaint Raised After Legal Action
Shortly after the court ruling, the Radfords posted a statement on Instagram highlighting concerns unrelated to the fine itself. They claimed that their children’s school shared personal details with someone outside their household.
According to their post, another child’s emails and information also appeared on paperwork meant for them. Sue and Noel questioned whether this handling of their children’s data violated privacy guidelines. They did not say who received the incorrect forms or how the issue came to light. They did suggest, though, that their case involved more than a simple attendance violation.
Data protection laws in the UK require schools to keep student records confidential and secure. If the Radfords’ claims prove accurate, the situation could prompt an additional investigation into how the school managed sensitive information. While the fine was officially about attendance, the family’s public response added a new layer to the story.
The Radfords Continue Their Frequent Travel Lifestyle
The Disney trip was not unusual for the Radfords. They have taken eight holidays to the United States in three years. In addition to long-haul holidays, they’ve traveled across Europe in a motorhome that cost over $50,000. Their past destinations include Dubai and the Maldives.
Travel is a regular part of their lives, and they often document those experiences on social media. Their Instagram account has over half a million followers, and they regularly share updates, photos, and videos with their audience. The family supports itself through The Radford Pie Company, which Noel ran full-time for 25 years. It remains the primary source of income for their large household.
Though the recent trip received attention for its cost and timing, it was consistent with the family’s pattern of frequent outings. Sue previously said she planned an entire year of celebrations to mark her birthday, and this journey was only part of that larger plan.