The government has formally rejected a popular push to introduce a four-day school week in England, despite a public petition attracting more than 125,000 signatures. Children's Minister Josh MacAlister addressed the issue in Parliament, stating that while the concept was initially appealing, the potential risks to education were too great.
Minister Cites Risks to Learning and Enrichment
Following a parliamentary debate on Monday, 5th January 2026, Mr MacAlister confirmed the government has no plans to alter the five-day school week structure. He argued that compressing the curriculum into fewer, longer days would upset a crucial balance.
"Schools need enough time to deliver the curriculum to a high standard, while also ensuring appropriate breaks and opportunities for wider enrichment," the minister stated. He warned that shortening the week would make it harder for pupils to gain essential knowledge and skills, and would "squeeze out valuable time for school clubs, sport and homework."
Petition Demands and Parliamentary Concerns
The government was compelled to debate the issue after a petition, which called for the school week to be reduced to four days by making each day one hour longer, surpassed the 100,000-signature threshold required for parliamentary consideration. The petition argued this change would be beneficial, but MPs raised several counterpoints during the Westminster Hall debate.
Key concerns highlighted by MPs included:
- Increased childcare pressures on parents with children at school for one fewer day.
- Potential negative impacts on children's mental health, citing difficulties during pandemic isolation.
- Worries that longer school days could be overly exhausting for pupils.
- Fears that extended hours could encroach on time for homework, exam revision, and direct teacher interaction.
Commitment to 32.5-Hour Week and Teacher Workload
In his response, Mr MacAlister reaffirmed the government's commitment to a minimum 32.5-hour school week for all state-funded mainstream schools. "Meeting this expectation is essential to delivering fairness and high standards for every child," he declared. He added that schools are encouraged to consider extending hours beyond this minimum to best support pupil development.
On the related issue of teacher workload, the minister acknowledged it remains a challenge but pointed to recent data suggesting progress. "Teachers are working fewer hours now than in recent years, according to the most recent Working Lives survey published in November," he said. He conceded more work is needed to ensure teaching is a sustainable long-term career but noted positive trends in recruitment and retention.
The government's definitive stance leaves the 125,000-plus petitioners without their desired policy shift, prioritising the preservation of the traditional school structure for the foreseeable future.
