Several schools across England are opening late on Monday after England's World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am due to the time difference. Head coach Thomas Tuchel encouraged parents to let their children stay up and watch, saying, "There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch."
Schools Respond to Tuchel's Call
Following Tuchel's advice, a number of schools have adjusted their start times to allow pupils to arrive up to two hours late. Purwell Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, will keep registers open until 10:30am. Castle Hill Primary School in Basingstoke, Hampshire, will allow pupils to arrive from 9:30am instead of the usual 8:35am. Three schools under the same multi-academy trust in County Durham—Greenland, Bloemfontein, and Burnhope primary schools—will let pupils arrive anytime before 10am without being marked late.
Other schools are taking different approaches. London Colney Primary School will screen a full replay at 9am in the school hall, while Smith’s Wood primary in the West Midlands will show highlights in assembly. Elburton Primary School will invite children in early for an 'as-live' screening at 7:40am. Whipton Barton Federation in Exeter will allow children to wear football kits and enter a raffle for World Cup footballs.
Education Secretary Opposes Late Starts
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has voiced opposition to the late-start policy, telling BBC Newsnight: "I'm not going to make requests on parents around bedtime. Please let's try and get our kids in on Monday too." A Downing Street spokesperson echoed this, saying: "Parents will make their own decisions... We want everyone to enjoy the game, but children should be in school on Monday."
Despite official pushback, some headteachers support the move. Steve Heal, headteacher of Malmesbury Church of England Primary School in Wiltshire, said: "I've asked parents not to tell their children the result before they arrive at school because we want everyone to experience the ups and downs together. School really matters and attendance is so important, but we also know just how significant these international sporting events are for children."
Parental Divide
The decision has divided parents. One commented: "You must be joking, the children's wellbeing and education comes first." Another said: "Let the children live life, one match is not going to ruin their education." The match could extend until nearly 4am if it goes to penalties, adding to the debate over sleep and school attendance.
