Council to reconsider July holiday fortnight switch

Proposed changes to Leicestershire's traditional early "July fortnight" start to the summer holidays have been held, with officials saying they are looking to retain "the county's tradition".

Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are considering a number of new options for school calendars from autumn 2027 to summer 2032.

The county council met to launch a consultation about the changes on Tuesday but the proposals and consultation were temporarily pulled off the table with plans to "reconsider options" around amending term timings.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said a new report with proposals is due to be presented to the council's cabinet on 28 April.

Leicestershire schools have traditionally broken up for the summer early in July - at least two weeks before the rest of the country.

The pattern reflected the Leicestershire Workers' July Fortnight, a county-wide holiday period introduced in 1965, where factories and businesses closed for the first two weeks of July to enable workers to avoid peak holiday periods.

Under the proposals, the summer holiday would start one week before the rest of the country rather than two.

Officials have acknowledged the popularity of the July fortnight because it allows families to get cheaper deals on summer holidays abroad.

However, they have said changes would help to balance out the length of terms throughout the year and improve pupil attendance.

The Easter Bank Holiday could also either fall at the beginning or end of the Easter school holidays. Traditionally, it falls in the middle of the Easter holidays.

Tim Browne, interim director of education, addressed the county council's cabinet on Tuesday and said officers would "reconsider their options" but would also look to modify the council's second proposal so it was "in keeping with the Leicestershire tradition".

Labour councillors claim that local parents and teachers "overwhelmingly" want to keep the Leicestershire Fortnight and have issued a letter to the council's cabinet.

In response to the letter, Reform UK council deputy, councillor, Kevin Crook, pushed back, emphasising that the proposals were "required by law" and about "letting people have their say before decisions were made".

"The proper way to gather that feedback is through the very channels being proposed, not through selective posts on Facebook," he said.

"We are simply agreeing for our officers to consult so that residents can respond to the actual option in the report, not to exaggerated headlines or briefings".

Crook said it was "important" the council "set the right pattern for families so they respect the traditions of Leicestershire".

He said he "supported the approach" of asking officers to review the proposals again, particularly proposal two.

Labour councillor Jewel Miah said he was "happy" about the decision.

"It brings families temporary relief to our residents and parents, however, they did say they'll bring it back with a look at the recommendations," he said.

"We'll see what that comes back as and if it's not something I can support or parents can support, we'll be making that point across".

A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: "Officers are trying to find out from the county council what their current position is with regard to their consultation.

"The city mayor will be making a statement at the full council meeting tomorrow, which will set out the position of the city council."

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