The Welsh Government has delayed plans to shorten the school summer holiday by a week, which would have extended the October half-term break to two weeks. Education Secretary Lynne Neagle announced the postponement, citing the need to focus on other reforms, including a new Welsh curriculum and improvements in additional learning needs.
The decision follows a mixed public consultation involving over 16,000 responses, revealing divided opinions. Teaching unions, agricultural groups, and tourist attractions were largely opposed to the changes, arguing it was a distraction from more pressing issues in education and could negatively impact the sector. The changes will not occur until after the next Senedd term, making any implementation unlikely before the 2028-2029 school year.