The Bernese municipality of Belp in Switzerland plans to test a new school model with a 46-week school year, reducing vacations from 13 to six weeks. Students would attend school four days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including lunch, with the fifth day free. Vacation would include two weeks each in summer and at year-end, and one week each in spring and fall.
The pilot aims to make education and childcare more compatible for parents and staff. Municipal president Stefan Neuenschwander and Family and Education Head Daniela Schädeli see it as a practical solution to childcare challenges.
The trial will begin next summer, with applications for students and staff already open. Implementation beyond the pilot would require changes to the cantonal Elementary School Act.
