A PUBLIC consultation in North Lanarkshire has indicated support for shortening the school summer break.

More than 9,000 people responded to a council-run consultation on proposals to shorten the summer recess by one week, which was open to pupils, parents, staff and trade unions.

The consultation was launched following the passing of a council motion in late 2022.

It was carried out online with more than 55,000 people sent text messages inviting them to take part.

The school year currently includes a seven week summer break, with another week off in October, two days in February and fortnight breaks for Christmas and Easter.

The proposal was to reduce the summer break to six weeks, compensated for by either extending the October week, Christmas or February breaks, while other suggestions were also invited from respondents.

In total 72 per cent of responses backed a reduced summer recess while the October and Christmas/February proposals received almost equal amounts of support.

Studies have indicated that long summer breaks can negatively affect learning while shorter breaks may contribute towards combating food poverty.

The council will continue to discuss the proposals with the West Partnership and trade unions and no such alterations to the school calendar can be made before the 2025/2026 session.