The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has officially announced a significant policy shift for all partner schools. For the first time, Saturday will be observed as a complete weekly holiday, offering both teachers and students a much-needed two-day weekend. Along with declaring Saturday off, PEF has also revised the daily school timings, which will remain in effect until April 15, 2025. This decision marks an important step toward improving educational efficiency, teacher performance, and student well-being across the province.
New PEF School Timings Announced
According to the official update, the revised timings for PEF partner schools are as follows:
Updated PEF School Timings
| Day | New School Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 8:45 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:45 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Saturday | Holiday |
| Sunday | Holiday |
These new timings replace the previous schedule where Saturday was not counted as an off-day for PEF schools.
For many years, PEF partner schools operated without a Saturday holiday, making the academic week longer and more demanding for both staff and students. By introducing a standard weekend consisting of Saturday and Sunday, PEF aims to align the education schedule with modern academic practices that support better learning outcomes and healthier routines.
New School Timings for PEF Partner Schools
Under the updated schedule, schools will now begin their day at 8:45 AM. From Monday to Thursday, the school day will end at 1:30 PM. On Fridays, schools will close earlier at 12:00 PM to accommodate religious and cultural schedules. The most notable addition to the timetable is the complete closure of schools on Saturday, which now joins Sunday as a regular weekly holiday. These new timings are applicable immediately and will continue through April 15, 2025.
The revised timetable ensures that students and teachers have a balanced school week with enough time allocated for rest, preparation, and rejuvenation. This adjustment is particularly important considering the academic pressure and long hours that previously defined PEF’s weekly routine. The new schedule is designed to improve both the quality of classroom teaching and the overall productivity of academic activities.
Reason Behind Introducing Saturday as a Holiday
According to PEF officials, the decision to implement a two-day weekend is not merely an attempt to offer relaxation or reduce academic workload. Instead, it is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. Officials explained that mental and physical rest plays an essential role in learning and teaching. When students and teachers are given adequate time to recover from a busy school week, their overall performance naturally improves.
This policy also aims to support teachers who often struggle with lesson planning, administrative responsibilities, and personal commitments, all of which become more manageable with an additional day off. The decision reflects a growing global trend in educational systems where a five-day school week is considered more effective and beneficial for long-term academic growth.
How the New Timings Will Improve Student Learning
Research in education consistently shows that students perform better academically when they are well-rested. A shorter and more productive school week enhances focus, reduces stress, and allows students to absorb lessons more effectively. By ending the school day earlier and adding an extra holiday, PEF aims to strengthen students’ ability to concentrate during classroom sessions.
The new schedule also gives students more time after school to complete homework, revise lessons, participate in co-curricular activities, and spend quality time with their families. The mental clarity gained from proper rest translates into improved retention, better test scores, and stronger overall academic performance.
Impact on Teachers and School Staff
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the success of any education system. The earlier schedule and two-day weekend offer them an opportunity to prepare lessons more efficiently and manage their responsibilities with less stress. Fatigue is a common issue among teachers who work extended weeks, often leading to burnout or reduced classroom effectiveness. With the revised timings, teachers will now have more time to focus on their professional growth as well.
The additional day off can also be used for school-based training sessions, curriculum planning, and professional development activities. When teachers are able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, their teaching quality naturally improves, which ultimately benefits the students and the school community.
Effect on Parents and Families
The new schedule will also influence family routines, especially for parents who manage school pick-up and drop-off timings. Although the updated hours may require some adjustment initially, parents are likely to appreciate the positive impact on their children’s health and academic performance. A well-rested child is more energetic, more attentive, and less likely to experience burnout.
With Saturdays now free, families can plan more meaningful activities together, including study support, outings, or rest-oriented schedules. This shift will contribute to stronger family bonds and healthier lifestyles for students.
Implementation Timeline for PEF Schools
All partner schools under the Punjab Education Foundation are required to implement the new schedule immediately, with full compliance expected until April 15, 2025. School administrators have been directed to update their notice boards, inform parents through messaging systems, and adjust internal routines accordingly. This ensures a smooth transition and minimizes any confusion among parents, teachers, and students.
