Top Tips for Teachers To Make the Most of the School Holidays
14 May, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- Why school holidays are essential for Teachers.
- Top tips for Teachers to make the most of the school holidays.
- Where to find the latest teaching jobs.
The school is closed, the classroom is empty and it’s time for the school holidays! For Teachers that means a well deserved break away from the responsibilities of teaching and more opportunities for relaxing, learning new skills, travelling or even doing absolutely nothing! It’s the perfect time to rest without guilt, explore without deadlines, and think big-picture without the daily noise of the classroom.
Without a plan, the school holidays can fly by in an instant and before you know it, you’re back in the classroom and wondering where the time went.
According to the National Education Union, just 9% of Teachers have a complete break during the school holidays. 31% are ‘always’ dealing with work during the school holidays, with a further 60% ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ doing so.
It’s vital that Teachers make the most of the school holidays so they return to the classroom refreshed and ready to inspire their students once again. The summer holidays are more than just time off - it’s a season to recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Throughout this blog, we’ll dive into how Teachers can make the most of the all important summer holidays!
Why are school holidays essential for Teachers?
Teaching is a role that requires energy and investment into student emotional and physical wellbeing. After weeks of inspiring, guiding and supporting the next generation, it’s important that Teachers take the opportunity to look after themselves to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
During term time, often there isn’t sufficient time for Teachers to fully rest and recuperate as they spend countless hours marking, planning lessons and attending meetings - on top of managing extra-curricular activities.
School staff need time to grow and recharge their batteries so they can prepare for the next academic year and be the best version of themselves.
However, according to a survey by the National Education Union, three quarters of Teachers said they frequently find themselves ‘unable’ to switch-off from work-related thoughts and tasks when at home and 41% said this was ‘always’ the case.
How to make the most of the school holidays
7 top tips for Teachers to make the most of the school holidays:
- Make time for hobbies and interests.
- Connect with nature.
- Do nothing.
- Rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Step out of your comfort zone.
- Make memories.
- Create a plan and stick to it.
Make time for hobbies and interests
During the summer holidays, it can be beneficial to dive back into a favourite hobby or even pursue a new one. Whether it’s painting, hiking, baking, or learning a new instrument, these personal passions provide mental and emotional relief from the constant demands of the classroom.
Hobbies and interests help Teachers to rediscover who they are outside of the classroom, reminding them that they’re not just educators - they’re individuals with creativity, curiosity, and a need for joy.
Investing time in hobbies also helps stave off burnout, nurturing the kind of balance that allows teachers to return to work recharged and ready to engage. Additionally, the inspiration and perspective gained from exploring new or long-neglected interests often lead to fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm in the classroom.
When Teachers allow themselves space to do what they love, they’re not just taking a break - they’re fueling their passion for life, which ultimately benefits both themselves and their students.
Connect with nature
According to the People and Nature Survey for England, only 16% of adults reported spending time outdoors in green or natural spaces on a daily basis. During school term time, there are limited opportunities for Teachers to get outdoors, especially in the winter months when the weather is poor and the nights draw in early.
A recent study by the Teacher Wellbeing Index found that almost 8 out of 10 UK school staff experience mental health symptoms due to their work. Spending time in nature is also a great way to support a Teacher’s mental health as it can help to lift one's mood and alleviate stress.
Teachers can make the most of the great outdoors with activities such as hiking, cycling or camping. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, there are simpler alternatives, such as taking a stroll through a park or spending time gardening.
Do nothing
It might be the school holidays, but you don’t have to jam pack your schedule with activities and socialising if you don’t want to. If you overcommit to activities, you run the risk of returning to school even more burnt out than you were before!
It’s important that you don’t compare your holiday plans with others; if you want to spend the school holidays resting, recovering and recharging, that’s absolutely fine.
According to the NASUWT Teacher Wellbeing Survey, 87% of Teachers have suffered loss of sleep and 84% reported low energy levels as key impacts of stress on their lives. Taking a break isn’t lazy, it’s imperative, so be sure to take some time for yourself, even if this means sitting at home with your feet up!
Rejuvenate your body and mind
The school summer holidays provide a much-needed window to slow down and listen to your body’s needs - whether that means catching up on sleep, moving more gently through daily routines, or committing to healthier habits that simply aren’t feasible during the term. From going for long walks to practicing yoga, swimming, or simply sitting in the sunshine, summer is the time to restore physical energy and health, without the pressure of the school day.
According to the Teacher Wellbeing Survey, 84% of Teachers reported low energy levels as key impacts of stress on their lives. Teaching demands constant focus, emotional presence, and decision-making, often with little time to pause or reflect. When school’s out, the mental noise finally quiets, creating space to breathe, think clearly, and just be.
By focusing on their wellbeing, Teachers can return to the classroom refreshed, energised and ready to inspire their students.
Step out of your comfort zone
The routine of the classroom provides structure and stability, but it is important that Teachers feel inspired to step out of their comfort zone during their down time. Just as Teachers are encouraged to try new approaches in the classroom to keep students motivated and engaged, embracing new experiences outside of the classroom can have a positive impact on their own growth and wellbeing.
Whether it's learning a language, climbing a mountain or going skydiving, Teachers could take full advantage of their time off and do something they have always wanted to do.
Even undertaking the smallest challenges during the holidays can help Teachers return to work feeling motivated, assertive and ready to lead with clarity. You’ll also have loads of exciting stories to share with your colleagues on your return!
Make memories
Arguably the most important way for Teachers to make the most of the school holidays is to spend time with loved ones and make memories. Whether it's traveling somewhere new, spending quality time with loved ones, diving into a long-postponed adventure, or simply enjoying slow, joyful mornings with coffee and a good book, these are the moments that bring life into sharper focus. Making memories isn’t just about escapism - it’s about reconnecting with what makes your life rich, fun, and fulfilling.
If you go on any exciting adventures during the school holidays, make sure you share your stories with your students. Captivating the classroom with your own tales is a great way to engage students and get back into the swing of things after a break.
Create a plan and stick to it
While the summer holidays are a time to recharge, it’s also important to create a plan during the school holidays to ensure you are prepared for when you go back to work. This might involve lesson planning, redecorating the classroom, gathering new ideas, reading educational articles or planning events for the term ahead.
The National Education Union found that it is commonplace for Teachers to work evenings (62%) and weekends (55%), and 36% frequently cancel plans with family and friends in order to get on top of their workload. These numbers demonstrate the continuous demand on teaching professionals.
Finding the right balance between preparation and downtime helps ensure you return to school feeling enthusiastic and confident for a successful term ahead.
Teaching jobs
If you’re searching for your next teaching job, why not take a look at the latest teaching vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Recruit teaching staff
As a specialist education recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools with their temporary, permanent and temp-perm staffing needs.
We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the North West.
If you’re struggling to fill a teaching vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?
Primary schools - Jimmy Callagher
Secondary schools - Liam Jones
SEND schools - Jamie Heath
Meet Jamie Heath
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In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
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