More English State Schools Adopt Two‑Week October Half Term

Overview

• A Teacher Tapp survey of 8,112 state school teachers found 15% had a two‑week October half term this year, up from 12% last year and 7% in 2023.
• Some academy trusts, including Unity Schools Partnership and Anthem, say the longer break has reduced staff sickness and helped pupils and teachers recharge.
• Parents and childcare groups warn the move creates extra costs and logistics, with Coram Family and Childcare estimating holiday childcare costs around £191 per week and some clubs not running.
• Many academies keep the same total term time by lengthening school days, moving training into evening 'twilight' sessions, or shortening other holidays, which shifts childcare needs onto families.
• Experts and school leaders are urging the government to run coordinated trials to measure pupil and staff benefits and to prevent a postcode lottery while the Department for Education reminds schools they must meet statutory minimum open days.