Upcoming pilots in 2026
We're spending the first few months of 2026 recruiting schools and local councils to participate in two separate shorter working week trials taking place later this year.
The historic private sector trials we have run in recent years produced some incredible results but we're now turning our eyes towards the public sector.
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In schools, there is growing support for a four-day school week. That's not surprising given a third of teachers report working more than 50 hour weeks and 90% of teachers considering leaving the profession in 2024 cited high workload.
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At Dixons Academy Trust, which implemented a nine day fortnight for teachers last year:
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Staff turnover reduced by 43%
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Recruitment improved with the number of applicants up by 12% year on year
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There was a 9% reduction in sickness absence
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You can download and read more about the Dixons story alongside other case studies in our latest report on the education sector here.
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​​The first UK council trial at South Cambridgeshire District Council has been so successful that the council voted in July 2025 to adopt the four-day week permanently.
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After a 27 month trial, the results of their four-day week trial involving over 700 staff showed:
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£399,263 annual savings
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An increase in the number of job applications by 123%
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An increase in job retention by 43%
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Faster planning applications, housing repairs and benefits processing
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Huge improvements in staff wellbeing
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In 2026, we are aiming to get the next wave of four-day week council trials underway and we are already in conversation with a number of local authorities.
If you are reading this as a decision maker at a local council, please register your interest in taking part and someone from the Foundation will be in touch with more information.​​​​​​​​​​
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