The schools starting late after 01:00 England kick-off to 'reduce pressure' on parents
Some schools are opting to open late, arguing they are striking the right balance, and many parents have backed the decision.
By BBC News
Schools in parts of England have confirmed later Monday morning arrangements after England’s World Cup match against Mexico, but there is no national rule requiring schools to change their start times.
Schools in parts of England have confirmed later Monday morning arrangements after England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.
The fixture kicks off at 1am UK time on Monday, creating an unusual challenge for families whose children want to watch the national team in a major tournament.
The match is being played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. If it is decided in normal time, many supporters are likely to be awake until around 3am. Extra time and penalties could push the finish closer to 4am.
There is no national instruction for schools to close or open late. Decisions are being made by individual headteachers, with arrangements varying from school to school.
Schools named in national reports include Purwell Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, where registers will remain open until 10.30am.
Castle Hill Primary School in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is allowing pupils to arrive from 9.30am instead of the usual 8.35am start.
In County Durham, Greenland Primary School, Bloemfontein Primary School, Burnhope Primary School, Collierley Nursery and Primary School and Annfield Plain Infant School are among those allowing pupils to arrive later than normal.
Newton Hall Infants’ School and East Stanley School, also in County Durham, have relaxed attendance arrangements for Monday morning.
Other named schools include Berwick Hills Primary School in Middlesbrough, Red Hall Primary School in Dudley, Excel Academy in Stoke-on-Trent, Shadsworth Junior School in Blackburn and Hill Avenue Academy in Wolverhampton.
Darwen Vale High School in Darwen is allowing students to arrive at 9am, while Our Lady and St John Roman Catholic High School in Blackburn is allowing arrivals until 10am.
ITV also reported that St Patrick’s RC High School in Salford will open as normal at 8.30am for supervision, but lessons will not begin until 10am.
Oaks Park High School in Carshalton, Sutton, has told students to arrive by 9.45am.
Malmesbury Primary School in Wiltshire has taken a different approach, opening from 7am with breakfast and a delayed screening of the match before normal lessons begin.
The debate follows comments from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who encouraged parents to let children watch the game, saying the World Cup only comes around every four years.
The government has been more cautious. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said children can watch the match and still attend school the next day, adding that arrangements are ultimately for parents and schools to manage.
Pubs and bars in England and Wales have also been allowed to stay open until 5am for the fixture.
The government used licensing powers for events of exceptional national significance, meaning venues do not need to apply individually for extended hours.
That decision has been welcomed by parts of the hospitality sector, but police leaders have raised concerns about late-night safety and the short notice given to forces preparing for Monday morning.
For parents, the key point is that arrangements are not the same everywhere.
Families should check directly with their child’s school before assuming there will be a later start, delayed register or change to attendance expectations.
No Cheshire school has yet been named in the main national reports as offering a later start for the match.
That means local parents should continue to follow the normal arrangements unless their school confirms otherwise.
The unusual kick-off time is likely to make Monday morning difficult for many households, but the response is being left to individual schools rather than set by government.