This proposal comes in response to the Council's projected financial shortfall of £56.4 million over the next five years, with a particularly severe gap of £29.3 million for 2025/26.

Education accounts for nearly 60% of the Council's £465 million budget, making it a focus for potential savings. The proposal would save in the region of £6.28 million.

The report suggests that a change to the structure of the learning week could offer budget relief while safeguarding educational quality, reducing the need for more drastic measures such as cuts to teacher numbers which would impact on young people who require support or who access smaller group setting, targeted support or nurture facilities

Cutting teacher numbers would also impact on the range of qualifications available for pupils in the Senior Phase.

Instead, the reduction in teacher numbers would be achieved through natural attrition, such as retirements, rather than redundancies and redesign of the learning week.

Since 2019, Children’s Services have already seen substantial reductions, including the loss of 78 teaching positions in secondary schools. The proposed changes are intended to avoid further deep cuts to staff, which could harm educational outcomes.

Potential Benefits

The report points out several potential benefits of the asymmetric model, which is already in place in eight other Scottish councils. These include improved well-being for both pupils and teachers, reduced fatigue, and enhanced use of time for professional development on Friday afternoons.

Schools that have adopted this model elsewhere in Scotland have reported positive impacts on pupil engagement and productivity, as the shorter Friday allows for leisure activities that support mental health and overall well-being.

Additionally, the extra time for teachers to engage in professional development is seen as a potential boost to teaching quality across Falkirk schools.

However, some concerns have been raised by parents, carers, and staff about the potential impact on academic performance, particularly due to reduced learning hours.

The report proposes the creation of Activity Hubs across seven secondary schools, potentially offering free or low cost activities on Friday afternoons for primary school children. This proposal would help alleviate some of the childcare concerns raised by families.

In addition to educational considerations, the proposal highlights financial and environmental benefits. Reduced operational costs for an asymmetric week are expected to save approximately £250,000 annually. Lower energy consumption would cut heating and lighting costs.

Jon Reid, Director of Education, said: "The report acknowledges the complexities involved in balancing the need for cost savings with the imperative to maintain educational quality, but it argues that the proposed changes offer the best path forward.

“If approved, the Council will closely monitor the impact of the changes on pupil attainment, well-being, and educational outcomes. A formal review process would be implemented to ensure any issues are addressed promptly.

“Ultimately, it is for elected members to decide the options to be taken at the meeting."