Fact check: Where in Europe has the longest school summer holidays?

President Macron Reopens Debate on French School Holidays: How Does France Compare to the Rest of Europe?

French President Emmanuel Macron recently sparked a national conversation by suggesting that the length of school holidays, particularly summer holidays, should be revisited. His remarks, made during a visit to Haut-Rhin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Colmar, raised questions about whether France’s extended summer breaks might be impacting the quality of education for its students. Macron emphasized that France has longer summer holidays compared to many other countries, pointing out that some European nations only begin their summer breaks after July 14th. This has led to a broader discussion about how France’s school holidays compare to those in other European countries and whether reducing the duration of summer holidays could improve educational outcomes.

France’s Summer Holidays in a European Context: A Closer Look

According to data from Eurydice, a European Commission-funded education information network, French students will enjoy eight weeks of summer holiday starting from July 7th for the 2024-25 school year. However, a comparison across Europe reveals that at least 32 other European countries or regions have longer summer holidays than France. For instance, primary school students in Bulgaria receive between 13 and 15 weeks off, while Italian students enjoy 11 to 14 weeks. Icelandic upper secondary students also benefit from more than 13 weeks of summer holiday. On the other end of the spectrum, countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark have significantly shorter summer breaks, with Denmark having just over five weeks off. This variation highlights the diversity in school holiday structures across Europe.

The Relationship Between School Holidays and Educational Performance

President Macron’s suggestion to reconsider summer holidays was partly motivated by concerns about educational inequality. He noted that students from disadvantaged backgrounds often struggle academically during the long summer break due to a lack of family support. However, the data on the relationship between holiday length and educational performance is not straightforward. According to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates 15-year-olds in mathematics, science, and reading, France’s education system ranks around the middle among European countries. Estonia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are among the top performers, while Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro rank lower. Interestingly, some of the best-performing countries, such as the Netherlands, have shorter summer holidays, while others, like Estonia, have longer breaks. This suggests that the length of school holidays is only one of many factors influencing educational outcomes.

Teacher Reactions and Criticisms: A Deeper Look

Macron’s proposal has not been without criticism. Teachers and educators in France have accused the president of diverting attention from more pressing issues in the education system, such as teacher shortages, stagnant pay, and poor working conditions. Some have even suggested that successive governments have prioritized the interests of the tourism lobby over those of teachers and students when discussing school holidays. These criticisms highlight the complex political and economic factors that influence education policy in France. While Macron’s intent to improve educational outcomes is clear, the debate over school holidays has exposed deeper tensions within the education system.

The Broader Implications of School Holiday Policies

The debate over school holidays in France also raises important questions about the role of education in society. Holiday policies are often shaped by a combination of cultural, economic, and educational priorities. For example, shorter summer holidays in some countries may allow for more evenly distributed breaks throughout the year, potentially reducing the risk of learning loss during long periods of absence. On the other hand, longer holidays can provide families with opportunities for travel, relaxation, and extracurricular activities that may also contribute to a child’s development. As France considers potential changes to its school holiday system, it will need to balance these competing interests.

Conclusion: The Path Forward for France’s Education System

The debate over school holidays in France is unlikely to be resolved soon, as it touches on fundamental questions about education, inequality, and societal priorities. While President Macron’s suggestion to revisit the length of summer holidays has sparked controversy, it also offers an opportunity to engage in a broader discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of France’s education system. By examining how other European countries structure their school holidays and the impact on educational outcomes, France can gain valuable insights to inform its own policy decisions. Ultimately, any changes to the school holiday system will need to be carefully considered, taking into account the needs of students, teachers, and families alike.