The Guardian · UK Politics · 21 Oct 2026

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Headline analysis

Parents and teachers in England: share your views on two-week half terms

While it used to be standard for state schools in England to have one-week half terms, some pupils and staff are being given a fortnight off. Councils set the holiday dates for state schools in England, while academies, free schools, foundation schools and voluntary-aided schools can set their own. Most schools still opt for one week, but more around the country are moving to, or considering the move to, a two-week break. In the past, parents with young children have the said the longer holiday places an extra burden on them to find childcare . In Wales, plans to extend the half-term and reduce the summer term were shelved in 2024 after opposition from the teaching unions. We would like to hear from parents and teachers about their thoughts and experiences of two-week half terms. Do you think they are a good idea or not? Do you have a fortnight off? Do you have any concerns? Share your experience You can share your response using this form. Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. For more information please see our terms of service and privacy policy . Tell us here Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely please see our tips guide . Name Where do you live? Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g. age, background, what you do) Optional Share your views on two-week half terms. Are they a good idea or not? Please include as much detail as possible. Are you experiencing / have you already experienced a two-week half term? If so, tell us how you're managing it Optional Please include as much detail as possible. Do you have any concerns? Optional Please include as much detail as possible. If you are happy to, please upload a photo of yourself here Optional Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB . Choose file Can we publish your response? Yes, entirely Yes, but contact me first Yes, but please keep me anonymous No, this is information only Phone number Optional Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Email address Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. You can add more information here Optional If you include other people's names please ask them first. Would you be interested in speaking to our audio and/or video teams? Audio only Video only Audio and video No, I'm not interested By submitting your response, you are agreeing to share your details with us for this feature. Submit If you’re having trouble using the form click here . Read terms of service here and privacy policy here . Explore more on these topics Childcare Children callout Share Reuse this content

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