West Lothian pupils set to get seven-week summer holidays
Pupils in West Lothian schools will get a seven week summer holiday next year.
Councillors heard that the change was recommended because the start of the school year had been getting earlier in August each year.
Education officer Hannah Haywood told the Education PDSP that without the change the new school year would be starting on 9 August 2027.
Councillors were given assurances that summer play scheme cover and other support for families would adjust to meet the longer holidays.
In her report the committee Ms Haywood said: “The most popular option from the survey of parents and pupils was for six week summer, one week in October and one week in February.
“This pattern of holidays has been used since October 2024, but with a six-week summer break each year the start of the session was gradually getting earlier, so the proposal for the 2027/28 session includes a seven week summer break beforehand. This does not impact on the number of teaching days in the session.”
The new holiday plan has yet to be ratified by the Education Executive but if it is it will mean an end to the often unpopular week long holiday in February for mid-term.
The longer summer holiday will end the controversial week off in February that West Lothian youngster have had for several years. Some parents consulted were for, or against, the February break.
The report to committee outlined: “Those in favour felt that it was a tiring term for pupils and the week-long holiday was needed, but those against cited the poor weather, impact on pupils undertaking exams, disruption to the routine for pupils with ASN, the disruption for working parents so close to Christmas, and lack of activities during the February break.”
The new seven week summer holiday will see the February break reduced to a long weekend.
The new term in the 2027/28 school year is recommended to start on 16 August.
The final dates for the term will be approved at the next meeting of the Education Executive next month.