← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Length of the School Week
05 January 2026
Lead MP
Dave Robertson
Lichfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Josh MacAlister
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 6477
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Dave Robertson raised concerns about length of the school week in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The proposal seeks to reduce school absences and improve mental health among students, but it raises concerns about logistics, longer school days leading to fatigue, and potential safety issues during dark hours. Additionally, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) expressed concern over the impact on extracurricular activities and later starts for secondary pupils.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition calls for a four-day school week to address teacher burnout and improve mental health among students. It has gathered more than 126,000 signatures and was created by someone who learned that almost one-third of teachers leave the profession within five years. The proposal aims to give teachers more time with their families while encouraging volunteer activities for pupils.
South Devon
Sent heartfelt thanks to teachers for their hard work, especially under challenging circumstances. Highlighted the need for further consideration on whether a four-day school week should apply universally or be more flexible based on age.
Dave Robertson
SNP
Dunfermline East
Thanked the petitioners and contributors for discussing the issue, highlighted support for pupils with additional needs by Dr Arthur, raised health implications of a four-day week by Dr Cooper, and emphasised teacher retention issues.
Beccy Cooper
Lab
Worthing West
Emphasised mental health concerns, particularly post pandemic. Cited research on a four-day working week showing significant improvements in employee stress and burnout levels. Asked the Minister to consider how a permanent shift could reorientate work-life balance.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Asked about the impact of longer days on children with additional support needs, noting that redesigning the school week would also mean addressing many support factors around it.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Responded to the debate, thanking the hon. Member for Lichfield and expressing disappointment in the idea of shortening the school week as a solution to teacher retention issues.
Government Response
Josh MacAlister
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Hobhouse. Happy new year to one and all. I congratulate the young person who started this petition for securing this debate; it is always good to see pupils actively involved in thinking about the world around them and campaigning for the change that they want to see. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield (Dave Robertson) for opening the debate.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.