Workplace flexibility, remote work, and four-day weeks have become common among organisations that recognise the wellbeing and productivity benefits of giving employees autonomy over how and where they work best.
But what about school students?
Crimson Global Academy, a registered online education institution, has introduced a four-day learning week for students, with the fifth day reserved for rest, volunteering, wellbeing, or independent projects.
In what’s believed to be an Australian first, the model is showing early signs of success in reducing student stress and improving engagement since its implementation in February this year.
A staggering 86% of students said they felt on top of their workload, with the same number reporting improved well-being due to the scheduling change.
Encouragingly, more than two-thirds (70%) of parents reported children’s enthusiasm for school improved and 69% reported an improvement in their child’s physical activity.
Importantly, none of the teachers surveyed felt their delivery of the content was negatively impacted.
Flexibility as a competitive edge
Ronan Kearney, Deputy Principal at Crimson Global Academy, said the thinking behind the 4-day week was to give students more meaningful time beyond the traditional curriculum.
“Fridays now support our LIFE program, offering subject extension, clubs, community service, and volunteering,” Kearney told The Educator. “It also provides practical space for appointments, ensuring students don’t miss lessons.”
For teachers, Kearney said the model creates “a sustainable four-day rhythm” comparable to other industries, addressing the growing conversation in international education about retaining talent.
“Future graduates entering the workforce will expect flexibility such as four-day weeks or hybrid working, and we believe education providers must respond proactively to remain attractive and competitive as workplaces.”
When asked what students use the additional day for, Kearney said Fridays are used in diverse, purposeful ways, with many students take part in community volunteering, student-led clubs, or CGA-organised regional trips.
“Others use the time for one-on-one support, competition preparation, or homework clubs,” he said. “The schedule is semi-structured: some activities are required to meet student needs, while others are optional to encourage independence.”
Kearney said families have reported that the extra day enables more quality time together, while students often dedicate time to consolidating learning.
“The result is a balance of enrichment, academic support, and personal growth, empowering students to shape their own development both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Reaction from schools ‘overwhelmingly positive’
Kearney said teacher feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”, as the extra day frees more time up for teachers to plan lessons, mark students’ work and offer additional support to those in need.
“Teachers also report that students have adapted well and are thriving in the new format,” he said. “Naturally, the tighter weekly schedule created some fatigue initially, but we have responded by adjusting lesson timings for 2026 to provide longer breaks, which will help both staff and students.”
Survey results reflect this positive outlook.
A significant 80.8% of teachers are satisfied with the model, 84.6% are optimistic about long-term benefits, and 61.5% had already noted a positive impact on lesson planning and preparation by April 2025.
Kearney said feedback from school leaders has highlighted balance and flexibility as major successes.
“Students report feeling more rested, focused, and capable of managing their workload, while parents see reduced stress and greater engagement,” he said. “Teachers value protected time for planning and professional development, and extracurricular participation has grown.”
Crimson Global Academy has also seen big academic gains, with iGCSE internal examination pass rates rising from 66% to 77% and 9–7 (A–A*) grades increasing from 40% to 46%.
“Areas for refinement include clearer visibility of Friday options for parents, and adapting homework expectations across subjects,” Kearney said.
“Leaders view the initiative as a progressive model for sustainable education.”