“A wonderful idea”, “Bring it on!”, “Yes!”, “Brilliant!”, “Absolutely”. If enthusiasm were all it took to change policy, a four-day week in England’s schools would be all but guaranteed.

A Guardian report this week saying that the 4 Day Week Foundation has urged the government to pilot a four-day working week in schools in England and Wales to boost teacher wellbeing and recruitment attracted hundreds of thousands of readers.

Teachers and parents responding to a subsequent Guardian callout were overwhelmingly supportive, though many were unsure about the logistics.

Jo Hopkins, a 55-year-old London development director and mother of 11-year-old twins, liked the idea of a four-day week for pupils. Her children are autistic and have struggled with school attendance.

“For many autistic k

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