ID057 Vacation periods

The Idea

Spring vacation at the University spans three consecutive calendar weeks. I propose redistributing this period into three non-consecutive weeks to accommodate the celebration of the two Eids. Eid is the second most widely celebrated religious festival in the UK after Christmas, and a significant number of our staff and students observe it. 

This proposal acknowledges that the current Spring vacation is often used by students for revision ahead of spring assessments. Under the revised structure, students would retain vacation time for revision, although in a shorter block. However, in the context of supporting religious observance and accommodating the needs of our diverse community, this adjustment represents a reasonable and proportionate change. By proportioning the vacation weeks in this way, the University would still be able to offer one week at Easter in line with school holidays, supporting staff who need to take leave due to childcare commitments. It is also worth noting that UK school holidays total approximately 65 days per year, while annual leave entitlement is typically around 30 days. Staff are therefore already required to make choices about how they allocate their leave. Incorporating flexibility for Eid within the academic calendar would provide staff with greater choice—allowing them to prioritise Easter, Eid, or a combination of both without disproportionately impacting their annual leave. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

Many colleagues and students travel abroad to spend Eid with their families. Under the current calendar, this often results in staff needing to request annual leave during term time, which can be operationally challenging. Students often create elaborate reasons for absence in order to return to their home countries. Adjusting the structure of Spring vacation would support our diverse community, reduce disruption during term time, and foster a more inclusive academic environment.  

How We Would Implement This Idea

Spring vacation takes place: Saturday, 28 March 2026 - Sunday, 19 April 2026. This takes place at a different time every year, depending upon when Easter falls. I would suggest that the Spring vacation starts on Good Friday and ends on the following Friday, with the remaining vacation days allocated at appropriate points later in the year. 

Eid al-Fitr takes place following the completion of Ramadan (after 29 or 30 days of fasting), while Eid al-Adha follows the completion of Hajj. Although Ramadan shifts approximately ten days earlier each year, these dates, like Easter, can be projected reliably in advance, enabling the University to plan accordingly. 

What Success Would Look Like

An inclusive education provider that recognises diversity and equality, providing the most significant religious celebrations within the UK an opportunity to be celebrated.