Headteacher Introduces 'Inset Week' to Slash Family Holiday Costs
Record numbers of families are defying fines to exchange classroom time for beach vacations, with nearly half a million penalty notices issued last year for unauthorised family holidays. As more parents opt for off-peak travel to save money, one innovative headteacher has proposed a solution that benefits both families and educators.
A Creative Approach to School Scheduling
Andy Stirland, the 49-year-old principal at Python Hill Academy in Nottinghamshire, has implemented a novel strategy by consolidating all five mandatory teacher training days, known as Inset days, into a single week off for pupils. This 'Inset Week' is scheduled for the week after the May half-term holiday, providing families with an opportunity to plan term-time trips without facing fines or impacting attendance records.
Mr Stirland explained, 'A family of four can save over £1000 by holidaying during term time. For many of our parents, this is the difference between taking a family holiday or not. It does not affect children's attendance, and families avoid penalties.'
Educational and Financial Benefits
Python Hill Academy, which serves approximately 330 pupils, is among the mere 1% of schools that have adopted the 'Inset Week' model. The initiative has garnered support from package holiday provider On the Beach, which is campaigning for more headteachers nationwide to implement similar staggered weeks off. This approach aims to make affordable holidays accessible to a broader range of families.
The headteacher emphasised that attendance remains a critical priority, with the school achieving a rate of over 96%, significantly above the national average of 93.4%. 'Without the Inset Week, our attendance story might be very different,' Mr Stirland noted, highlighting how the model prevents unauthorised absences and associated fines.
Support for Teachers and Families
Beyond family savings, the 'Inset Week' also offers advantages for teachers. Python Hill Academy employs a 'Twilight model' for professional development, replacing full Inset days with weekly two-hour after-school workshops. This structure grants teachers an additional week off, which Mr Stirland believes enhances their wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Kate Greenway, a mother who was fined for taking her daughter on a term-time holiday to Turkey, shared her experience. The trip saved her family £1700 compared to peak-season prices. 'If we didn't take our daughter out of school, we simply couldn't afford a holiday,' she said. 'An Inset Week would prevent parents like me from breaking the law and provide a sensible solution to a widespread issue.'
Broader Context and Campaign Efforts
In the 2024/25 academic year, 492,000 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised absences, with over 90% related to family holidays. The UK government's National Framework increased fines to £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 within 28 days, though term dates are set locally by schools and councils.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, stated, 'Families shouldn't have to choose between following rules and affording time away. Inset Weeks offer a straightforward way to access cheaper holidays without compromising education.'
A Department for Education spokesperson reiterated the importance of school attendance, noting improvements under the Plan for Change, but acknowledged the flexibility academies and councils have in setting term dates.
As the campaign gains momentum, On the Beach is urging millions of parents to petition their headteachers for Inset Weeks, advocating for a system that balances educational integrity with family affordability.
