Organisations* from across Wales representing Education, Farming and Tourism have come together to challenge the Welsh Government’s consultation on the Reform of School Year. They are angry that they have not been appropriately consulted before the proposed reforms went out to public consultation. A joint letter has been sent to Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, and copied to the Cabinet.

In education, the reforms are not supported by research. They will actually damage learning as a week would be taken from the crucial Autumn term and placed in the quieter post-examination period. Countries that appear above Wales in the PISA league tables have significantly longer summer breaks; it makes no sense to shorten the summer break in Wales.

In tourism, there is dismay that tourist attractions will close and jobs will be lost. A week in October cannot compare to a week in July. Just under half of the annual revenue for tourist attractions is taken in the present summer break. Reducing that period will have a devastating effect on Wales’ second largest industry.

In farming, there is also concern over the damage to tourism. Many farmers have diversified into that sector. There is dismay over potential damage to the Royal Welsh Show, which could lose £1 million as a result of the reform. This would threaten its viability. The Royal Welsh Show is unable to move because of the impact on the National Eisteddfod and other agricultural shows across Wales.

Together, these organisations call upon the Welsh Government to withdraw the reform of the school year proposals. They challenge the Government to direct its energies towards the real problems in Wales, and to stop fighting unnecessary battles.

* The signatories to the joint letter are: NASUWT CYMRU, NEU CYMRU, UCAC CYMRU, ASCL CYMRU, NAHT CYMRU, NFU CYMRU, FUW CYMRU, UNISON CYMRU, GMB WALES & SOUTHWEST, RWAS, WAVA.