Plans to shorten summer holidays and add time to October break postponed after consultation feedback.

The Welsh Government has announced that its plans to overhaul the school holiday schedule, which included shortening the summer break by one week and extending the October half-term, will be delayed. Education Secretary Lynne Neagle confirmed that the changes, which were expected to take effect next year, will now be implemented only after the next Senedd term.

This decision follows significant opposition from teaching groups, who have argued that such a large-scale change should not be made hastily. Some groups welcomed the delay, stating that changes of this magnitude must be well-considered and backed by strong evidence.

Neagle explained that the delay would provide teachers and staff with the time they need to focus on other reforms, such as the new Welsh curriculum and additional learning needs provisions. “My starting point is always the best interests of children and young people,” Neagle said, stressing the need for proper planning to ensure reforms succeed.

Eithne Hughes, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, expressed relief at the pause, though she described the issue as an “unwelcome distraction” that had become a waste of time. Hughes noted that the consultation had shown there was no clear consensus for the proposed changes among parents or teachers.

Laura Doel, National Secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) Cymru, also welcomed the delay, criticising the proposal as lacking evidence to show it would benefit students. She added that such changes should never have been the Welsh Government’s priority.

Neil Butler, NASUWT National Official for Wales, echoed these concerns, stating that the focus should be on supporting teachers and addressing more pressing issues in education.

The consultation, which received over 16,000 responses, was intended to gather feedback on the potential benefits of the proposed changes, especially for disadvantaged students. While a narrow majority of responses supported the idea of altering the school holiday schedule, many were contradictory, leaving the government with divided opinions.

The Welsh Government has committed to using the extra time to engage further with teachers, unions, and families to ensure any future changes are well-received and effective.