Story perspectives

Schools urged to consolidate inset days for affordable family holidays

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Headteachers in England and Wales are encouraged to consolidate school inset days into full weeks to minimize term-time absences and enable families to book affordable holidays.
Travel company On the Beach supports this change, claiming it would facilitate access to cheaper off-peak trips.
Schools currently have five to six inset days each year, which are often misaligned, leading to nearly 460,000 fines issued for unauthorized absences in 2024/25.
Andy Stirland, principal at Python Hill Academy, reported that their inset week has improved attendance and allowed families to take more affordable vacations.
The Department for Education was contacted for a response.

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Story summary

Headteachers in England and Wales are encouraged to consolidate school inset days into full weeks to minimize term-time absences and enable families to book affordable holidays.
Travel company On the Beach supports this change, claiming it would facilitate access to cheaper off-peak trips.
Schools currently have five to six inset days each year, which are often misaligned, leading to nearly 460,000 fines issued for unauthorized absences in 2024/25.
Andy Stirland, principal at Python Hill Academy, reported that their inset week has improved attendance and allowed families to take more affordable vacations.
The Department for Education was contacted for a response.