The debate over term-time travel

A YouGov survey conducted in April 2024 showed that nearly three in five parents would consider, or have already considered, pulling their child out of school for one or more days in order to have a term-time holiday. The same proportion also said that the threat of the unauthorised term-time holiday fines would not deter their decision to take their child out of school. With more and more parents opting for term-time travel, we are compelled to consider the balance between global awareness and academic education. Can term-time holidays expand the minds of young people beyond the classroom, or are they simply undermining the consistency of their education?

It is generally agreed that education extends far beyond the classroom, and real-life experiences can bring academic lessons to life. There is debate over how much autonomy families should have over their child’s education, but many parents find it beneficial to play an active role in their children’s learning. Travelling to new locations and exploring other cultures can be an immersive method of educating a child on the world around them and creating well-informed young people who respect cultural differences.

Can term-time holidays expand the minds of young people beyond the classroom, or are they simply undermining the consistency of their education?

There are many educational benefits to travelling young, and a variety of subjects can be explored whilst on holiday – handling foreign currencies and navigating exchange rates put maths into a real-life scenario; walking through ancient Roman ruins or visiting the Parthenon can make history lessons tangible; exploring mountains, beaches, and rivers can bring geography to life. Exposing children to immersive educational experiences such as these develops confidence and independence when navigating new and unfamiliar environments.

Intercultural awareness is a huge advantage to travelling as a child. The British have often been criticised for low intercultural competence and lack of interest in learning other languages, so exposing individuals to the wider world from an early age could help to break the cycle of cultural illiteracy. Travelling during off-peak seasons might mean exposure to a more authentic version of a location, and a better understanding of typical life there.

Exposing children to immersive educational experiences such as these develops confidence and independence when navigating new and unfamiliar environments.

In the digital age, where children spend so much of their time in front of a screen, it can be difficult to find time for emotional bonding as a family. Travel can be an excellent opportunity to remedy this. During off-peak travel seasons, attractions are less crowded, and travel is more affordable, meaning parents are less stressed, children are entertained, and families can share exciting new experiences.

Despite the many upsides to term-time travel, the issue remains controversial. Schools argue that missing school in order to travel results in missed curriculum and disruption to academic progress. Gaps in learning can cause students to be at a disadvantage upon returning and could find it difficult to keep up with new content. This is particularly applicable to subjects that rely on sequential progression, such as mathematics and science. Whilst travel does provide a multitude of educational benefits, it is certainly no substitute for consistent, curricular education.

Whilst travel does provide a multitude of educational benefits, it is certainly no substitute for consistent, curricular education.

Regarding this debate, teachers often draw attention to the increased workload they must endure in order to help a student catch up on missed work. Missing students can disrupt group learning, daily routines, and the overall classroom dynamic. This can also set a negative example for other pupils, encouraging casual absences and detracting from the importance of consistent education and attendance.

Given the academic disadvantage term-time travel can have for a pupil, one must question whether it is worth the disruption and expense of a fine. Should travel really come at the expense of academic consistency and educational stability?

Given the advantages and downsides to term-time travel, most would agree that it is integral to find a healthy balance when taking children out of school for holidays. Clear communication with the school is vital and can help parents plan their trips around the curriculum, meaning children are less likely to miss academically critical moments.

Recognising that education is not solely about academics is vital.

Education can also be intertwined into a holiday – keeping up reading, writing, etc. can help students stick to a routine and maintain what they’ve been learning at school. Additional activities, such as travel diaries and destination research, can provide extra, more immersive education during a trip.

Recognising that education is not solely about academics is vital. Most children thrive in an immersive, firsthand learning environment, and travel can enrich this curiosity and provide a platform to expand young minds.

Term-time travel will always be a point of controversy, split between the importance of classroom consistency and experiential learning. Whilst schools consider attendance, families often recognise the benefits of travelling for young people. Holidays are not accessible to everyone, and travelling during school times can make it a much more affordable option, laying down a more equal ground for childhood experiences.

Term-time travel will always be a point of controversy, split between the importance of classroom consistency and experiential learning.

Considerate planning and collaboration with schools, as well as integration of academia into trips, can make term-time travel possible without significant disruption to educational progress.