One year of our nine-day fortnight
Posted 18th September 2025
It’s about self-determination and giving people autonomy and trust around how they do their work.”
— Faizal Musa, School and College Trust Leader, Dixons Academies Trust
A year ago, our trust introduced the nine-day fortnight: a bold initiative designed to give our teachers and leaders more balance, autonomy, and time to focus on what matters most.
The impact so far
Twelve months on, the results speak for themselves:
- 43% reduction in staff turnover: more experienced teachers are staying in our classrooms
- 518 fewer sickness absence days: healthier staff and more consistent learning for students
- 12% increase in applicants: attracting outstanding new talent into Dixons
Real-life benefits for colleagues
Beyond the numbers, the policy is making a real difference to our colleagues’ lives. Teachers and leaders have been able to attend school plays, family events, or simply take the time to recharge - giving them the energy and focus to thrive in their roles.
The nine-day fortnight is about more than just flexible working. It demonstrates our commitment to valuing staff, reducing workload pressures, and ensuring that brilliant teachers remain in the profession.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved in the past year and remain excited to continue leading the way in creating an educational environment where people want to stay, grow, and succeed.
Read more in a recent Tes article about the initiative here.