At Liberty Woodland School, we believe education should be about more than just academic success. From the start, we’ve embraced the four-day school week as a way to nurture well-being and inspire a love of learning in every student.
This innovative model reflects our commitment to creating a school environment that prioritises balance, curiosity, and progress - values at the heart of everything we do.
In this blog, we will examine the benefits and drawbacks of a four-day school week, and take a look at how implementing a four-day week in our own school has transformed the way in which our staff, students, and families experience education.
What is a Four-Day School Week?
A four-day school week is an alternative teaching schedule where students only attend school for four days a week, rather than the traditional five. Usually, this means students start school earlier and/or finish later for four days of the week, in return for an extra day off.
This extra day off can be used for extracurricular activities, investing in hobbies, engaging in personal interests, and having more family time.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Four-Day School Week?
The benefits and challenges of a four-day school week are widely debated. We have outlined the most common pros and cons discussed below:
Pros
- Improved student well-being: Having an extra day to rest, recover, and engage with hobbies can improve the well-being of students and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Better work-life balance for staff: Teachers can use the extra day to catch up on marking, lesson planning, or professional development, rather than having to work late into the evening and on weekends.
- More time for real-world learning: The additional day off can be used for family time, volunteering, work experience, or self-directed learning. This provides plenty of opportunities for real-world learning and experiences.
- Increased personal and family time: Staff and students can use the extra day for family time and personal appointments, reducing the amount of absences during the school day and disruptions to lessons.
Cons
- Concerns about impact on learning: Some people have concerns about shorter school weeks having a negative impact on academic performance. Schools like ours extend the school day to reduce the amount of classroom learning time lost.
- Longer school days: Individuals argue that longer school days can be more tiring for children. In particular, young children, children with additional support needs, and children facing longer commutes.
- Childcare challenges: Parents working a traditional 9-to-5 job might find arranging childcare a costly challenge. At Liberty Woodland School, we have implemented a Friday Club to address this.
- Equity concerns: Students with a challenging home life, or students who rely on school for meals and pastoral support, may be more affected by having fewer days in the classroom.
The Four-Day Week at Liberty Woodland School: A Case Study
But how do these pros and cons look in practice? We take a deep dive into what the four-day school week looks like at Liberty Woodland School and the overall positive impact it has had on our staff, students, and families.
Context and Background
The decision to implement a four-day week at Liberty Woodland School stemmed from our belief that modern education should meet the needs of both students and families.
Longer school days from Monday to Thursday allow students to fully immerse themselves in their learning, achieving a sense of flow that traditional schedules often disrupt. For families, fewer commutes mean less stress and more precious time together.
Our staff also benefit significantly from this approach. With Fridays dedicated to professional development (CPD), collaboration, and planning, teachers can focus on delivering high-quality lessons and creating engaging learning environments. Scheduling this time in the morning, when staff are fresh and energised, ensures it is both productive and meaningful.
This forward-thinking model aligns with Liberty Woodland School’s ethos of prioritising well-being and staying attuned to the realities of modern life.
Implementation Process
When Liberty Woodland School opened its doors, the four-day week was a fundamental part of its educational design. Unlike schools that transition to this model, we built it into our structure from the outset. This meant we could focus on optimising our timetable rather than adapting an existing one.
From Monday to Thursday, longer school days are carefully balanced to include academic focus, outdoor play, and well-being. This thoughtful timetabling ensures that all students experience a rich and engaging curriculum while benefiting from the shorter week.
By aligning our schedule with our values, we have created an environment where students and staff alike can thrive.
Results and Impact
For Students: A Path to Self-Discovery and Well-Being
Students transitioning from traditional five-day schools often tell us how much more relaxed and positive they feel about their education at Liberty Woodland. The extra day at home allows them to explore their interests, focus on personal growth, and better understand themselves.
One Year 9 student, for example, uses her Fridays to study British wildlife, learning about rehabilitation methods and legislation. With guidance from one of our teachers, who has a background in veterinary science, she’s also pursuing hands-on experience through voluntary roles.
Research backs these outcomes. A study by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, "The Effects of a Four-Day School Week on Student Achievement and Attendance", found that a four-day week can maintain or improve student attendance without compromising academic performance. This highlights how innovative schedules like ours can support both well-being and achievement.
For Staff: A Culture of Excellence and Balance
Our teachers frequently tell us how much they value the additional time the four-day school week provides. Fridays are dedicated to CPD, collaborative planning, and refining lessons, allowing staff to maintain a high standard of teaching while feeling more balanced.
With the occasional work-from-home Fridays added to the calendar, staff can focus on their well-being while feeling fulfilled through the knowledge they are able to plan very high-quality lessons and do their job to the standard they want to. This model fosters a strong sense of community and job satisfaction, which shines through in lessons.
For Families: Quality Time and Opportunities
Parents tell us how much they appreciate the improved balance the four-day week brings. Less time commuting and more opportunities to spend time together make a real difference to family life.
Many parents value the school’s innovative approach, which they feel reflects their own aspirations for a well-rounded education for their children.
Hear more about what our parents have to say
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While the four-day school week has been highly successful, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One area for improvement is supporting families who need childcare on Fridays.
To address this, we’ve introduced a Friday Club - a play-based program where students can enjoy structured activities. This initiative ensures that all families can benefit from our model while maintaining our ethos of well-being and engagement.
Broader Implications: Leading the Way in Progressive Education
The four-day week places Liberty Woodland School at the forefront of progressive education. Rather than sticking to traditional models, we’ve chosen to listen to contemporary research and adapt our approach to meet the needs of today’s learners.
For instance, findings from the Association for Experiential Education highlight how outdoor and project-based learning fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional well-being. These principles are deeply embedded in our model.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue innovating. One of our longer-term aspirations is to adjust school start times for secondary students to better align with teenage circadian rhythms. Research by the Sleep Foundation and studies in neuroscience suggest that later start times can enhance focus and well-being in teenagers.
While this change would require significant planning, so it isn’t on the cards immediately, it reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based education.
Visit Liberty Woodland School
At Liberty Woodland School, we’re passionate about creating an education system that truly works for students, staff, and families. We’d love to share our journey and hear from others who are rethinking education.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or policymaker, let’s start a conversation about how we can create brighter futures together.
Contact us today, or sign up to visit us on an open day so you can experience firsthand what makes our school so special.
