Two-week half terms: The school holiday no one can agree on
Summary
Many schools in parts of England are changing their half-term holiday from one week to two weeks. This change creates challenges for parents who must find extra childcare and manage work during the longer break. Some local councils and schools have adopted the two-week break, while others prefer the traditional one-week holiday.Key Facts
- Some councils in England, like Nottinghamshire and Bromley, plan two-week half-term holidays for 2026/27.
- Most schools still use the one-week half-term, but some academies and faith schools choose their own dates.
- The number of pupils attending academies in England is now over 60%, leading to more varied school calendars.
- Surrey County Council tried a two-week half term in 2026 but will switch back to one week in 2027 after concerns from head teachers.
- Parents find the longer break hard to manage because childcare options are limited and often costly.
- Some parents say the second week of a longer half term provides less educational benefit for children.
- In Wales, plans for a two-week half term were dropped, but some schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland have longer breaks.
- The change in school holidays forces some families to rely on family or friends for extra childcare during the longer break.
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