We urge Surrey County Council to reconsider the proposed change to the school calendar that would extend the October half-term to two weeks by reducing the summer holiday by one week starting in 2026.

While we support efforts to improve balance in the school year, this proposal creates significant unintended consequences that have not been clearly communicated to the public.

 
❗ Why This Matters:
🔴 Holiday costs will soar and limit access
Reducing the summer holiday will drive up travel costs and reduce availability during the peak holiday season. Families with fewer financial resources will be disproportionately impacted, making holidays a luxury only wealthier families can afford.

🔴 More overcrowding, less enjoyment
A compressed holiday period means more families taking breaks at the same time. Resorts, airports, and activities will be busier and more stressful—especially difficult for neurodivergent children and adults.

🔴 A week in October is not equal to a week in summer
The October weather is colder and wetter, limiting outdoor activities and travel options. Families lose out on valuable time for outdoor play, cultural trips, and meaningful rest. For many, a week in October simply does not hold the same value as a week in summer.

🔴 Risk of increased term-time absenteeism
Families may choose to take holidays during term time because it will be cheaper to pay a fine than to travel during the shortened, high-cost summer period. This undermines school attendance efforts and places additional strain on schools.

🔴 Negative impact on teachers and school staff
School staff rely on the summer break for recovery, training, or family time. Cutting this time short adds to burnout and may affect retention in a profession already under pressure.

🔴 Children need a proper summer break
Long summer holidays are essential for children’s mental health and development and time away from structured learning. Many European countries provide 2–3 months of summer holiday. Reducing this time fails to prioritise student wellbeing and denies them valuable downtime and enrichment experiences. 

🔴 Workplace disruption across the county
A shorter summer break means more parents will request time off during the same few weeks. This creates staffing problems for businesses and public services, which previously managed with a longer, more flexible summer period.

🔴 Negative impact on the holiday industry and local economy
With poorer weather and fewer viable options in October, many families may opt to stay home, spending less on travel, hospitality, and attractions. This change could harm the UK holiday industry, including local businesses that rely on summer trade.

 
❓ Lack of Transparency
The recent survey from Surrey County Council failed to disclose that the extra October week would come at the expense of the summer break. Many people may have supported the idea without understanding the trade-off, making the consultation process fundamentally flawed. This erodes public trust in the process. 

📢 We Call On Surrey County Council To:
- Pause the implementation of this change until a transparent and fully informed consultation takes place.
- Clearly explain all trade-offs so families and educators can give informed feedback.
- Explore alternative solutions to support student and staff wellbeing without shortening the summer break.
 

✍️ Sign this petition to protect family time, student wellbeing, and fairness for all. Let’s ensure any changes to the school calendar are made openly, thoughtfully, and in everyone’s best interest.