Somerset's residents have been invited to have their say on proposed school holiday, term and staff training dates for Voluntary Controlled and Community Schools for the next two years.  

Somerset County Council has published two separate consultations: one for the 2024/25 academic year and one for the 2025/26 academic year. Both consultations are open to the general public, but are particularly relevant to all school staff, parents and caregivers with responsibility for school age children. Academies and other school types set their own dates, but may choose to align their dates with neighbouring schools.  

The consultations include proposed school holiday dates, term dates and 'inset days' (school staff training days when pupils stay at home) run until the 17th March, with results being published in April this year.  

Councillor Tessa Munt, Executive Lead for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: "We want Somerset County Council to be a listening organisation, and for this to happen it's vitally important that everyone has their say. I'd encourage everyone to share their views and make sure we know of any issues or concerns about school term and holiday dates are raised which will help us with future planning, and ensure schools are able to consider what is best for local communities." 

 Inset days are set by individual schools and can vary considerably. The consultation seeks feedback on the idea that schools co-ordinate their inset days. This could help parents plan childcare and holiday arrangements, help schools work together which may save money and have more impact.  

To complete the consultation for the 2024 to 2025 academic year visit HERE  

 To complete the consultation for the 2025 to 2026 academic year visit: HERE

The consultation runs from Monday 13th February until the 17th March with results being published in April.