Education campaigners are calling on the government to permit schools in England to pilot a four-day working week, in a radical bid to solve a deepening staffing crisis.
The Drive for a Shorter School Week
The push is being led by the 4 Day Week Foundation, which argues that granting schools greater autonomy to experiment with shorter weeks could make the teaching profession more attractive. This comes against a backdrop of severe challenges in England's education sector, where teachers are leaving the profession in high numbers. Key complaints driving the exodus include deteriorating pupil behaviour, pay that has not kept pace with inflation, and rigid, inflexible working conditions that are leading to widespread burnout.
A Response to the Recruitment Crisis
The current situation has created a recruitment and retention crisis, with many schools finding it extremely difficult to fill teaching vacancies. Proponents of the four-day week model believe that introducing a more flexible working pattern could be a vital tool in stemming the flow of experienced staff away from classrooms. A number of schools across the UK have already begun testing similar flexible arrangements, though widespread adoption would require a shift in government policy.
Seeking Views from the Frontline
We are keen to hear from teachers across England about this potential shift. Are you an educator already benefiting from a more flexible schedule at your school? Or are you struggling with an unsustainable workload under the traditional five-day model? Your firsthand experiences are crucial to understanding the practical implications of such a significant change.
Equally, the views of parents are essential. How would a four-day school week affect your family's routine, childcare arrangements, and your child's education? We invite parents to share their perspectives, concerns, and support for the idea.
You can contribute your views and experiences anonymously if you prefer. All responses are secure, and data will be handled in accordance with strict privacy guidelines, used solely for the purpose of this feature.
