Two-week October holiday switch in West Dunbartonshire raises questions

The West Dunbartonshire Council has announced a change to the October school holiday break for the 2027/28 academic year. Traditionally, the break lasted from October 12 to October 16, but it will now extend to October 4 to October 15, adding an extra five days. While this may be welcomed by students excited for a longer break, the change has sparked controversy.

A local parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the potential strain it would place on families. As a working parent, the extra holiday could create difficulties in securing childcare and arranging time off from work during a busy period. The parent questioned why the council would make such a significant change without proper consultation with parents and carers.

The council responded, acknowledging the importance of school calendar changes and their aim to give families sufficient time to adapt. They stated that full details would be communicated to families upon their return to school later this month, a year before the new dates take effect.