Avoiding the Summer Slide: Why Executive Function Matters More Than You Think

23 Jun

For many students, summer offers a much-needed break from the classroom. But long gaps in structured learning can come at a cost. Without practice and support, key skills can slip—leading to what's commonly known as the summer slide.

At Manor Tutoring, we believe summer doesn't have to mean setbacks. In fact, it's the perfect time to build the kind of skills that set students up for long-term success—especially executive function skills.

What is the Summer Slide?

The summer slide refers to the learning loss that can happen over the holidays when children are out of school for an extended period. Research shows that students can lose weeks—or even months—of academic progress, particularly in reading and maths. But the impact isn't just academic. For many students, routines, focus, and motivation also take a hit.

The Hidden Cost: Executive Function Decline

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help students plan, stay organised, manage time, and follow through on tasks. These skills are essential not only for academic success but also for emotional regulation and independence.

During the school year, students use these skills every day—whether it’s remembering their PE kit, planning a project, or managing homework alongside extracurriculars. Over the summer, when routines disappear and expectations are looser, these skills can atrophy without support.

How to Build Executive Function Skills Over Summer

The good news? Executive function can be strengthened with practice—just like muscles. Here are some ways families can help over the summer:

Set a daily rhythm: Even if days are more relaxed, keeping a light structure helps kids maintain routines.
Use checklists and calendars: Encourage children to plan their day or week, tracking tasks or summer goals.
Work on long-term projects: Whether it’s a creative writing piece, a research topic of their choice, or planning a day out, projects help develop planning and time management.
Encourage self-reflection: Ask questions like “What do you want to achieve today?” and “What helped you stay focused?”
Practise independence: From cooking a meal to packing for a trip, real-life tasks help build confidence and responsibility.

A Crucial Time: Transitioning to Secondary School

For students preparing to enter secondary school in August or September—whether in Scotland, England, or Wales—the summer holiday marks a key transition. The shift from primary to secondary brings big changes: new teachers, more subjects, increased expectations, and a need for greater independence.

This is where executive function skills become critical. Students who start secondary school with stronger planning, organisation, and self-management skills are better equipped to navigate the new environment with confidence.

How Manor Tutoring Can Help

At Manor Tutoring, our academic coaching approach doesn’t just support subject knowledge—we help students develop the tools they need to thrive. Over the summer, we offer one-to-one sessions designed to:

Maintain academic momentum
Build or reinforce executive function skills
Prepare students for a confident start to secondary school

Whether your child is catching up, keeping pace, or looking to stretch themselves, summer is a valuable time to invest in skills that go far beyond the classroom.

Want to help your child start the school year strong?

Andy Williamson