Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 7, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 8.1 The Admissions and Access Manager introduced the report which as submitted to secure agreement of the school calendar for 2026/27 Academic year for Voluntary Controlled and Community Schools.     8.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-   a.    Approve the School calendar for the 2026/27 academic year. (Appendix A).       8.3 Reasons for Decision     8.3.1 It is recommended that Appendix A be approved as the model school calendar for the 2026/27 academic year. The calendar applies to all Community schools, Voluntary Controlled Schools, Community Special Schools and maintained nursery schools. Voluntary Aided Schools, Trusts and Academies that are their own Admission Authority are recommended to adopt the model calendar to promote consistency across the City     8.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     8.4.1 Historically the school calendar set the Easter break around the Easter Bank holiday. As described at 2.6 above this meant that sometimes the Easter break was very early or very late, creating uneven term lengths. Since the original consultation was undertaken in 2016, there has been overwhelming support for the fixed Easter model. It was not considered necessary therefore to consult on any other proposals than the fixed Easter model.