Whilst we are delighted that Ofsted graded the academy good in 2024 and our Progress 8 score has improved significantly, we are not complacent and want to continue to improve. With that in mind, we are looking to increase the length of the academy day as we really feel this will support this ambition.  

A longer academy day will enable us to make several key changes including:

• Raising the time spent developing reading across the academy 

• Increasing the number of personal development and enrichment opportunities for students

• Reducing the number of transitions around the school building  

• Introducing KS3 PSHE as a discrete subject in its own right 

• Improving staff and student wellbeing 

The proposed changes will require the school day to be extended by 20 minutes each day. Therefore, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday would finish at 3.15pm and Thursday would finish at 2.50pm The new school day would include a 40 minute form time, two lessons before break time, two lessons before lunchtime and one lesson after lunch. The additional time is needed to ensure that a reasonable break time is provided in order for students to be served and for additional time to be allocated to the development of reading. The extended lunchtime also provides an opportunity for personal development opportunities and enrichment for students.

 

School year proposal: alteration to add one week to October Half Term dates and finish earlier for the summer break.

We are very aware that the holiday dates for 2025/26 have already been published. However, the new proposal for a longer day means that there will now be a two-week Autumn Half Term holiday and the summer break will start earlier. This will allow any families wishing to take advantage of cheaper holidays a chance to do so. 

If this proposal is agreed, the holiday dates would become:

 

2025/26

Autumn Term	Dates
Academy closed to students for Staff Training	Monday 1 September 2025
Autumn Term begins	Tuesday 2 September - staggered start times for each year group (we will communicate this nearer the time)
Half Term - school closed	Monday 27 October to Friday 7 November
Students return from the Half Term break	Tuesday 11 November
Christmas Break – school closed	Monday 22 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026

 

Spring Term	Dates
School reopens after the Christmas break	Tuesday 6 January 2026
Half Term – school closed	Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February
Students return from the Half Term break	Monday 23 February
Easter – school closed	Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April 2026

 

Summer Term	Dates
School reopens after the Easter break	Monday 20 April 2026
Half Term – school closed	Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May
Students return from the Half Term break	Monday 1 June
Summer holiday – school closed	Monday 20 July to September (actual date to be confirmed)

 

Staff Training Days: school closed to students

• Monday 1 September 2025

• Monday 10 November 2025

• Monday 5 January 2026

• Monday 20 July 2026

• Tuesday 21 July 2026

Bank holiday: School closed - Monday 4 May 2026

 

If you have any views on the proposed changes, could I please ask you to email manc-enquiries@coopacademies.co.uk and add a title to your email: School day changes.

Please provide any feedback by 10am on Friday 27 June 2025.

Yours sincerely

Allan Glover

Principal