Introduction
At Liberty Woodland School, we believe education should be about more than just academic success. From the start, we’ve embraced the four-day week as a way to nurture well-being and inspire a love of learning in every student. This innovative model reflects our commitment to creating a school environment that prioritises balance, curiosity, and progress—values at the heart of everything we do.
Context and Background
The decision to implement a four-day week at Liberty Woodland School stemmed from our belief that modern education should meet the needs of both students and families. Longer school days from Monday to Thursday allow students to fully immerse themselves in their learning, achieving a sense of flow that traditional schedules often disrupt. For families, fewer commutes mean less stress and more precious time together.
Our staff also benefit significantly from this approach. With Fridays dedicated to professional development (CPD), collaboration, and planning, teachers can focus on delivering high-quality lessons and creating engaging learning environments. Scheduling this time in the morning, when staff are fresh and energised, ensures it is both productive and meaningful. This forward-thinking model aligns with Liberty Woodland School’s ethos of prioritising well-being and staying attuned to the realities of modern life.
Implementation Process
When Liberty Woodland School opened its doors, the four-day week was a fundamental part of its educational design. Unlike schools that transition to this model, we built it into our structure from the outset. This meant we could focus on optimising our timetable rather than adapting an existing one.
From Monday to Thursday, longer school days are carefully balanced to include academic focus, outdoor play, and well-being. This thoughtful timetabling ensures that all students experience a rich and engaging curriculum while benefiting from the shorter week. By aligning our schedule with our values, we have created an environment where students and staff alike can thrive.
Results and Impact
For Students: A Path to Self-Discovery and Well-Being
Students transitioning from traditional five-day schools often tell us how much more relaxed and positive they feel about their education at Liberty Woodland. The extra day at home allows them to explore their interests, focus on personal growth, and better understand themselves. One Year 9 student, for example, uses her Fridays to study British wildlife, learning about rehabilitation methods and legislation. With guidance from one of our teachers, who has a background in veterinary science, she’s also pursuing hands-on experience through voluntary roles.
Research backs these outcomes. A study by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, "The Effects of a Four-Day School Week on Student Achievement and Attendance", found that a four-day week can maintain or improve student attendance without compromising academic performance. This highlights how innovative schedules like ours can support both well-being and achievement.
For Staff: A Culture of Excellence and Balance
Our teachers frequently tell us how much they value the additional time the four-day week provides. Fridays are dedicated to CPD, collaborative planning, and refining lessons, allowing staff to maintain a high standard of teaching while feeling more balanced. With the occasional work-from-home Fridays added to the calendar, staff can focus on their well-being while feeling fulfilled through the knowledge they are able to plan very high-quality lessons and do their job to the standard they want to. This model fosters a strong sense of community and job satisfaction, which shines through in lessons.
For Families: Quality Time and Opportunities
Parents tell us how much they appreciate the improved balance the four-day week brings. Less time commuting and more opportunities to spend time together make a real difference to family life. Many parents value the school’s innovative approach, which they feel reflects their own aspirations for a well-rounded education for their children.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While the four-day week has been highly successful, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One area for improvement is supporting families who need childcare on Fridays. To address this, we’ve introduced a Friday Club—a play-based program where students can enjoy structured activities. This initiative ensures that all families can benefit from our model while maintaining our ethos of well-being and engagement.
Broader Implications: Leading the Way in Progressive Education
The four-day week places Liberty Woodland School at the forefront of progressive education. Rather than sticking to traditional models, we’ve chosen to listen to contemporary research and adapt our approach to meet the needs of today’s learners. For instance, findings from the Association for Experiential Education highlight how outdoor and project-based learning fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional well-being. These principles are deeply embedded in our model.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue innovating. One of our longer-term aspirations is to adjust school start times for secondary students to better align with teenage circadian rhythms. Research by the Sleep Foundation and studies in neuroscience suggest that later start times can enhance focus and well-being in teenagers. While this change would require significant planning so isn’t on the cards immediately, it reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based education.
Call to Action
At Liberty Woodland School, we’re passionate about creating an education system that truly works for students, staff, and families. We’d love to share our journey and hear from others who are rethinking education. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or policymaker, let’s start a conversation about how we can create brighter futures together.
