Several schools in London and across the UK are allowing pupils to start late on Monday, July 6, so they can watch England's World Cup last 16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has suggested children could watch the game and still make it to class, but she left bedtime decisions to parents.
Schools adjusting start times
Oaks Park High School in Carshalton, Sutton, has told students to arrive by 9.45am. In a letter to parents, the school said: "We hope these arrangements strike the right balance between recognising what is likely to be a memorable sporting occasion and ensuring that students continue to benefit from being in school." The school is "strongly" encouraging students who plan to watch the game to get some sleep beforehand, as staying awake all night is "likely to leave them extremely tired."
Cheam High School, Oaks Park's sister school, will start at 10am. The headteacher told parents: "We would like to give our students and staff the opportunity to watch the match without worrying about getting up so early."
Other schools join in
Annfield Plain Infant School in Stanley, County Durham, said register will be kept open until 10am instead of the usual 9am. In a Facebook post, the school wrote: "With England progressing to the next round of the World Cup, Mr Tuchel gave us a call to make an attendance request for Monday, July 6. School will be open as usual from 7.30am for breakfast club. Lessons will begin as normal at 8.45am. However, as he then put big Harry Kane on the phone, we couldn't say no to agreeing to keep the register open until 10am as opposed to 9am in case any families need that extra hour. This means that no-one will be marked late up until 10am. It's coming home!"
St Patrick's RC High School in Salford will not start lessons until 10am, although the school will open at 8.30am to supervise children. It signed off its message with: "Come on the Lions!!!"
Government reaction
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she believed young people, depending on their age, could watch the match and still make it to lessons. She told the Press Association: "I'm not going to get involved in parents and their bedtime routines for their children, that isn't a wise move for a politician. It's a late game, but children can be in school the next day." Asked if children can both watch and still attend school, she said: "Well, I think they can, yes, but it's for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children, how they feel." She added she was "not going to seek to control what schools are doing" but stressed it is "important" for pupils to be in school on Monday.
Tuchel's plea
After England's victory against DR Congo, manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters: "Write an excuse for school and let them watch football. Come on. There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big, big match on in four days and we need the support of everyone, and especially of the children."
