Summer holidays in Wales could be cut under plans to alter school terms

The Welsh Government is asking what people think about children in Wales having a shorter summer holiday.

A consultation is starting as ministers look at making changes to the school calendar with the aim of spreading holidays out.

Research finds autumn to be the most challenging and tiring term for both teachers and pupils and it's also the longest.

The number of teaching days and holiday days would remain the same but children could have a week less in the summer and then a two week break in the autumn.

More changes could be looked at in future - with further cuts to the summer break and the Whitsun half term week made longer.

Any changes wouldn't come in until the new school year in September 2025.

Looking at different school term dates is part of the Co-Operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and Welsh language said: “The long summer break can be a real strain. Families struggle to find childcare over the six weeks, and others struggle with the additional costs long summers bring.

"We also know our most disadvantaged learners suffer the most ‘learning loss’ from a long summer.

“There are plenty of examples of local authorities across the UK changing their school calendar to suit local needs.

“We want to make sure education works best for pupils, teachers, and families. We’re looking for people’s views on these changes and what it would mean for them.”

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.