France Considers Reforming School Summer Holidays

In a move that has sparked widespread debate, French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a reform of France’s traditional eight-week school summer holiday period. The aim is to improve academic continuity and reduce the learning loss experienced by students over the extended break.

The proposal suggests shortening the summer holidays to six weeks and redistributing the remaining vacation time throughout the academic year. A national citizen’s assembly is scheduled to convene in June 2025 to discuss the potential changes, with input from teachers, parents, and educational experts.

Supporters of the reform argue that shorter, more frequent breaks would benefit student retention and equity. Critics, including tourism industry representatives and some educators, warn that the changes could disrupt traditional family routines and negatively impact rural communities.