Parents Call for Shorter Summer Holidays

A growing number of parents are backing calls to cut the traditional six-week summer holiday down to four weeks, citing high childcare costs and lost learning time.

A new Parentkind survey reveals that 53% of parents in England support a shorter break. The average cost of summer childcare now hits £179 per week, making the long holiday unaffordable for many working families.

Teachers appear to agree: 62% say the summer should be shortened, with most suggesting the time be redistributed across longer half-terms or winter holidays. Many educators also point to the problem of “summer learning loss”, where pupils return in September having forgotten key material - especially in core subjects like maths and reading.

The idea isn’t without critics. Some parents worry it could limit valuable family time and increase burnout. But for others, the shift feels overdue.

“The six-week break worked when more parents stayed at home,” said Parentkind CEO Jason Elsom. “Today’s families need a calendar that works for modern life.”

 The Department for Education has yet to comment on potential changes, but with rising support from both parents and teachers, the debate over summer holidays may be heating up faster than the weather.