Sheffield schools to have fixed Easter break

The change will come into effect at the start of the 2017 academic year.

Published 28th Jul 2016

Schools in Sheffield will now have a fixed Easter break in the first two weeks of April.

The change will come into effect at the start of the 2017 academic year.

The change comes as a result of a consultation with 1,200 parents, teachers and support staff. Nearly three quarters said they were in favour of fixing the dates.

Sheffield City Council says it'll mean the half-terms in spring and summer are more even in length. Feedback from the consultation highlighted that long terms can lead to tired children who find it difficult to concentrate, whilst shorter spring terms which often happen with the traditional calendar don’t give children the necessary preparation time they need for their exams.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families at Sheffield City Council, said: "We believe, by changing to a two week fixed Easter break , this will mean that they will have the best chance to do well in the Spring and Summer terms.

“That’s why it’s great that this consultation has had a fantastic response from parents and carers, heads, governors, teachers and support staff and sends a clear message that most agree that a two week fixed Easter holiday would be better for them, parents, children and young people."