The Leicestershire fortnight has been retained, with officials deciding to largely keep the status quo following more than 8,000 responses to a consultation on proposed changes.

Leicestershire County Council Reform UK-run cabinet approved plans for new term times from autumn 2027 to summer 2032 on Tuesday, September 8, following a consultation with parents, teachers, school staff and students.

County council bosses agreed with council officers' recommendations and chose the first option, which retains a one-week October half-term break but moves it to the very last week of October.

The change to the half-term timing follows concerns raised about the break.

During the meeting, cabinet member for children and families, Councillor Charles Pugsley, said the consultation shows many people "value" the early summer break, whilst council leader Dan Harrison also said it was "particularly important" for families and schools, and welcomed the fact that the fortnight was retained in the officers' recommendations.

In a statement, Cllr Pugsley added: "We're immensely grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views.

"The response showed just how important school term dates are for families, staff and communities across Leicestershire.

"The recommended model keeps the early summer break that so many families told us they value, while also responding to feedback about the timing of October half-term.

"We've also worked closely with Leicester City Council to align dates wherever possible, helping to make arrangements simpler for many families."

The Reform-run council originally considered three proposals, but went back to the drawing board to "reconsider their options" after some of the proposals looked to scrap the Leicestershire fortnight.

Two options were then proposed, with Option 1 retaining Leicestershire's current term-date calendar, keeping the one-week October half-term break, and preserving the traditional early start to the summer holiday.

Option 2 also maintained the existing early start to the summer holiday, with an expanded two-week October half-term break, resulting in a slightly shorter summer break and an earlier August return to school.

More than 8,400 people participated in the consultation, with 51 per cent wanting to keep the shorter October half-term and 47 per cent backing an earlier start to the summer holiday, matched with a two-week October half-term break.

Parents and school staff made up 96.1 per cent of all respondents, and those who supported Option 1 said they valued getting two weeks at the start of summer, which allowed for cheaper travel, and they preferred longer summer breaks.

Those in support of Option 2 said they preferred it because they enjoyed the potential for cheaper travel in October and because it allowed them to ease fatigue during a long autumn term.

Those who preferred Option 1 also expressed major concerns about returning to school too early in August under the other proposal, whereas those who preferred Option 2 said a two-week October break offered much-needed rest.

Students were the strongest backers of Option 1, with just over 70 per cent of the 55 who responded agreeing with the proposals.