Italian schools criticised for heavy summer homework load

A survey by Skuola.net of about 1,000 secondary‑school students shows that roughly three‑quarters of Italian pupils received assignments to be completed during the summer break, and many tasks were added after the final school bell via electronic registers. Only 40% of respondents said they received all homework before the end of the school year; the rest got additional work later, with 25% receiving most of the summer assignments after school closed. Around 49% described the workload as “very demanding but manageable,” while a quarter deemed it excessive.

In response, school principal Marcello Bramati proposed abandoning the term “summer homework” and calling it “homework for September.” He argues the work should serve as a bridge to the new school year, be assigned in the final 4‑6 weeks before classes resume, and be fully evaluated in September. Bramati’s suggestion aims to preserve the holiday period for rest while still preparing students academically.