Education experts are calling for a reduction in the six-week summer holiday for English schools to alleviate pressure on parents, teachers, and pupils. The proposal, outlined in a report titled 'Rebalancing education in the post-pandemic era', suggests staggering half-term breaks more evenly throughout the year to improve teacher wellbeing and address poverty and cost-of-living challenges faced by families during the long break.
The report, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, recommends creating a new deal for teachers by clarifying 'undirected hours' and rebalancing the school calendar. It argues that shortening the summer holidays would spread childcare and holiday costs more evenly across the year, benefiting parents who work in seasonal industries and helping those unable to work during the summer.
The six-week break has historical roots, with some tracing it to children helping with harvests, though this is disputed as mechanised farming was common by the 19th century when the school system was established. Other explanations include seaside health traditions and the rise of international travel.
Campaign groups emphasise that the reform would not reduce total holiday days but would redistribute them to better suit modern lifestyles. Some schools have already taken independent action, such as St Peter's Catholic School in Solihull, which will trial giving teachers one day off per fortnight from September, with 100% uptake reported.
Several Birmingham schools are also offering free food vouchers over the summer to support families with high costs during the break.
