Surrey County Council Considers School Holiday Revisions

Surrey County Council is exploring potential modifications to school holiday schedules. A survey has been initiated to gauge public opinion on whether the council should adopt a two-week autumn half-term break. Approximately one in ten state-funded schools have already implemented this change, leading to difficulties when term dates across various schools do not coincide. If this alteration is adopted, the academic year would retain its current length of 195 days, which includes the five inset staff training days. The additional five days for the autumn break would be subtracted from the summer holiday period. A consultation letter distributed to parents stated: “We are seeking to understand the views of all stakeholders in determining our future approach to term dates and if there is any appetite for change.“We acknowledge that there may be strong views on either side of this question, but we feel it is right and responsible to seek those opinions at a time when we are seeing movement towards a longer October half term by some schools.” The feedback gathered will contribute to shaping the council’s strategy for the 2026/27 academic year and subsequent years. The survey will conclude at 5pm on 31 December.