Closed education consultations

Background

In response to suggestions from parents and carers that the current seven weeks for school summer holidays is too long, some councils in Scotland have considered shortening their summer holidays to six weeks and making other breaks longer.

Research suggests that being away from school for a longer period can have a negative impact on learning for some pupils.  A shorter break can also help better support families who may be experiencing poverty-related issues such as food poverty. 

Consultation

This is a non-statutory online consultation including, but not limited to, pupils, pupil councils, parents, parent councils, teachers, support staff and trade union partners.

Current position

The current arrangements for school holidays typically allow for seven weeks during the summer break, one week in October, two weeks at Christmas, two days in February and two weeks at Spring break (Easter).

The proposal is that:

• The new school year/term would start earlier in August.

To accommodate this:

• The October holiday would last for two weeks.

Or,

• The February break would be extended to one full week and the Christmas break increased.

We would like to hear your views on this proposal.

What happens next?

We will review your views and publish our decision by the end of June 2023. The school term dates for 2023/24 will not change.