Following England's 1am World Cup round-of-16 clash against Mexico on Monday, a number of schools across the UK are permitting pupils to arrive a few hours late. The decision comes after England head coach Thomas Tuchel urged parents to 'write an excuse for school and let them watch' the match, which could run until nearly 4am if it goes to penalties.
Tuchel's Call and Government Response
After England's dramatic last-gasp victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, Tuchel said, 'There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch.' However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson insisted pupils should attend school on time, 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 added: 'Parents will make their own decisions… We want everyone to enjoy the game, but children should be in school on Monday.'
Schools Adjusting Schedules
Several schools have responded positively to Tuchel's guidance. 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.'
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 broadcast an 'as-live' screening at 7.40am. Whipton Barton Federation in Exeter will allow children to come in football kits and enter a raffle to win a World Cup football. Schools under the same multi-academy trust in County Durham – Greenland, Bloemfontein, and Burnhope – have said pupils can arrive any time before 10am without being marked late, posting on social media: 'the opportunity to enjoy the occasion without worrying about the school run quite so early'. Purwell Primary School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, will keep registers open until 10.30am, stating on Facebook: 'While it is unlikely that many primary-aged children will stay up to watch the game, we appreciate that some families may have a later night than usual.'
Parental Divide
The decision has proven divisive among 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.'
