FEATURE FOCUS: SUMMER LEARNING GAP
Why the summer learning gap matters and what we can do to address it
Education Today hears from RYAN LOCKETT, Director of Studies and Head- teacher at TLC LIVE Online School
But for many, the weeks away from school during the summer can have a negative impact, as academic skills and knowledge learnt during term time can begin to decline across the holiday period. This summer learning gap (also known as summer learning loss) can then have a pronounced knock-on effect that carries over into the next school year.
This is especially problematic for those children in key transition years, and those who lack access to educational opportunities outside of school.
Some schools are already aware of this issue, and try to tackle it - with holiday homework, enrichment activities or summer projects. But there’s still a noticeable shortfall where these stop-gap solutions don’t always get completed well (or at all). Fundamentally, it’s very difficult to replace the structure, feedback and motivation offered by teachers away from school.
T
he summer holidays can be a truly formative time for young people. We all remember the long days and endless evenings outdoors. We might even recall family breaks or educational camps.
This means that while many students return after a break refreshed and ready to go, others, particularly vulnerable or disengaged learners, come back at a real disadvantage, having lost momentum and confidence.
Why the summer learning gap matters As a teacher for over a decade, and now headmaster, I’ve seen firsthand how this
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pattern can shape a school year, long after the first lesson of the new term has ended. While there is a spectrum of reaction to this – with many children re-engaging with schoolwork – for some vulnerable or disadvantaged students, the summer learning gap can unfortunately contribute to disengaging from education altogether.
That’s because when children return from the holidays significantly behind their peers, that gap in knowledge can damage self- esteem. The belief that they’ll never be able to keep up, or that school just isn’t for them, can then become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course, teachers do their best to direct time and attention to those who need it the most, but it can be tough and demanding on everyone involved. This reactive ‘catch up’ cycle can mean gaps continue to widen, despite their efforts. This is especially concerning if the child is approaching high-pressure milestones like GCSEs or transitioning between year groups or key stages.
The signs that spell trouble
To make things more complicated, the impact of the summer isn’t always immediately obvious, as different children will of course react in different ways.
But teachers can often pick up on the signs July/August 2025
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