Looking for a non-private school that has long summer hols!

[starshideyourfires]

Hi
We are a half Italian, half English family and we think we've come to a compromise about where to live in the (nearish) future. As an alternative to moving to Italy we'd like to have a longer summer break so we can spend about 2 months or so there over the summer.

Are there schools that aren't private that have around 10 weeks off over the summer?? Apparently some academies fit this description. Or is a private school our only option (or move to Italy!)

If we found a good school that fits that description and we could find a great house too - we'd move there.

Any suggestions from anywhere in the UK?
Thank you!

I think some Free schools keep independent school terms. I know Cobham Free School (Surrey) do. Not sure it is quite 10 weeks but prob not far off.

State schools are required to offer a minimum of 380 half day sessions (so 190 days), so you won't find places with long summer holidays, unless they have very short Christmas and Easter breaks. Northern Ireland schools generally finish at the end of June, but don't have a week off for half terms.

Hockerill Anglo European College in Bishop's Stortford is off from early July to September. They have Saturday school so get the extra session in that way. Might suit your multinational family.

But Free schools are still schools for the local community so your DC would still have to sit high enough in their ranked list of applicants in order to get a place.

Your LA's website should have links to the admissions policies all the state schools within its boundaries.

The free school in the Isle of Dogs follows the private school holidays. I guess they have longer days, just like private schools do

Not UK, but in Ireland there are 2 months off in the summer and most schools are pretty relaxed about taking an extra couple of weeks if required (although that won't be the official line). No fines etc. Nothing is flagged unless a child misses 20 days in a school year.

If you find it tell me. I hate this short summers. (Half Italian family here too)

thanks for everyone's responses so far. I did do a search online but didn't get very far as we are prepared to live anywhere - within reason. short of going through individual council websites I haven't found an easier way.

didn't know that about Ireland.

maybe try this site, as looks like it's more likely to be free schools that offer this, think most converter academies keep state school terms

www.newschoolsnetwork.org/what-are-free-schools/find-a-free-school

thank you for the link
yes free schools seem worth investigating

Off topic, but I would love to know what jobs you do to be able to get 2 months off every year? Or is it something that you can do from “home” in Italy?

I’m desperate to be able to spend more of the holidays with the kids (and avoid childcare costs!)

Hi HuntIdeas
Well at the moment my husband is working full time in London but hopefully in a couple of years he can do consulting work/contract from home. I’m trying to start my online business which is from home

Hockerill Ango European College as mentioned above, but depending on age of your DC admission can be tricky. Private school length holidays and a multi cultural environment with IB instead of A levels. We chose it because children are half French.

europa school in Oxfordshire??

Thanks, I think I'd heard of the Europa one, I'm checking out both now

CFBL in Kentish Town seems to have quite long summer holidays, 2 months. It is private but the fees seem low and it is French! I don't think you'll find anywhere that does a 10 week summer.
A friend who was a teacher told me a few years ago that one of the reasons the UK is tough on unauthorised absence is due to the risk of children, especially girls, being removed to other countries and to counter forced marriage. That may be bollocks, I don't know

Northern Ireland schools all have 2 months.

If you didnt mind paying but a lot lot less than private schools. My daughters online school finishes for the summer 5th july and goes back 8th sept, but also because its online youd have more freedom to travel whenever you wanted as she could log in and do her lessons anywhere

Royal Alexandra & Albert School has 8 weeks holiday.
Summer term ended 6 July, autumn term starts 6 September.
Doubt if you'd find a longer holiday in any other maintained school. They do also take boarders, at a cost.

One in Farnham does.

@starshideyourfires
I live in Southern Ireland. School are holidays
1 week at the end of October (midterm)
2 weeks at Christmas & easter
3 days midterm in February
Plus Bank Holidays
Secondary schools end 31st May till 31st August
Primary school ends mid June till 32st August.
Schools start 9am - 2:30 (primary) 3:30pm for secondary.
School ending times can vary from school to school. My sons secondary school in September are changing times. They are taking time off lunch so they will not have a hour lunch but will finish at 1pm on a Friday. They are still doing the same hours but just re did time table so they get a half day ever Friday. Hope this helps you.

Thank you - great to hear what's available, not much I know, but all worth investigating!