Barnsley council to shorten school summer holiday

Barnsley council has decided to reduce the length of the summer holiday, and extend October half-term, in a move it claims will improve its pupils’ educational success.

The decision is in response to research that suggests the maximum length of the summer holiday should be no more than five weeks, with longer holidays leading to learning loss.

The council has also outlined that an increased half-term holiday in October would allow families on lower incomes access to more affordable holidays.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for People Achieving Potential, commented: “The main differences to this year’s dates from previous years - the shorter summer break and a two week break at October half-term - will support educational outcomes for pupils by reducing the long summer break which can lead to learning loss. It also means that holiday weeks are distributed more evenly throughout the school year.”
However critics of Barnsley council’s decision have warned that the change will affect staff recruitment and exams, and could cause confusion for parents with children attending different schools.

Responding to the criticisms, Cheetham argued: “The decision was made with full consultation from all teaching, head teacher and support staff unions and staff representatives; we understand reaction to change is always mixed and, inevitably, will suit some more than others.”

He added: “Ultimately, ensuring the best educational outcomes for Barnsley’s children should be the main priority for all parties involved and any proposal to improve them must be taken seriously.”