A proposed change to the school’s holidays will not go forward following concerns raised by feeder schools.
Longbenton High School in North Tyneside(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Longbenton High School will not go ahead with a two-week October break despite support from parents in consultation.
Longbenton High, located on Hailsham Avenue, has informed parents, carers, and staff that proposals for a two-week October half-term will not take place, despite initial support from parents. According to a letter from acting headteacher Mr Joe Elliott, concerns from feeder primary schools about the “unintended consequences” of a longer October break played a part in the decision.
Concerns highlighted included “misaligned” calendars, which could increase unauthorised absences for younger siblings at different schools, and the prospect of “significant childcare issues,” as many families are tied to normal council school schedules.
The school also confirmed that students would still receive their full 190 days of education by reallocating training into “twilight” sessions, ensuring no loss of teaching time.
Mr Elliott’s letter reads: “Although we will not implement this change for the 2026/27 year, Rebecca Watson (our new Headteacher) and the Governing Board will continue to work collaboratively with our primary pyramid to explore future holiday options that support the wellbeing of our entire community without compromising the stability of our partner schools.”
The consultation also concluded: “Primary leaders felt the Autumn term is a critical period for settling new routines and that a two-week gap would disrupt the ” momentum ” required for statutory assessments later in the year.”
The plans were intended to combat “Autumn burnout” of staff and students. Over 70% of parents who responded to the school’s consultation were in favour of a two-week break. It proved even more popular with Premium Pupil parents as a cohort, with 90% of such parents in favour.
The Pupil Premium is additional funding given to state schools to close educational attainment gaps between pupils from more deprived backgrounds as opposed to their more affluent peers.
