Is a four-day working week the future of teaching? Points of View

Teachers Talk Radio · Oct 26, 2026 · 1h 10m

For years, teachers have been highlighting the need for steps to be taken to reduce workload. Lip service has been paid to this concept, with promises and plans made to do so, but with little real impact.

This week, Lucy Powell has suggested a move to a four-day working week for teachers: a suggestion welcomed by many in education, but criticised by parents. While schools would remain open five days a week, teachers would work a compressed week, with alternative arrangements made for the fifth day.

But what would this look like in practice? Could greater flexibility help tackle teacher…