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Several schools across England are planning to delay their start times on the morning of Monday, following England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 01:00 BST. This match could potentially end as late as 04:00 if it proceeds to a penalty shootout. Primary and secondary schools in regions such as London, Salford, the Midlands, and County Durham have informed the BBC that they intend to open around 10:00 instead of the usual start time. Headteachers argue this adjustment aims to ease pressure on parents managing late-night arrangements.
In Wolverhampton, Hill Avenue Academy has chosen to open at 10:00 on this day, shifting the start of the school day by approximately an hour and a half. This school also implemented late starts during England’s late matches in the group stages of the tournament. Headteacher Daniel Steventon emphasized the importance of encouraging children’s passion for supporting their country, saying, “Why wouldn’t we want our children to be passionate about supporting their country during the World Cup?” He also stated, “A later start reduces that pressure,” acknowledging the challenges families face in the early hours after a late game. The decision, he explained, reflects “understanding and flexibility,” and has been met with a positive response from many parents.
One of the parents welcoming this move is Kelly Wall, who appreciates the late start arrangements and the accompanying red, white, and blue themed non-uniform days. Wall said, “We’ve been able to sit and watch it together as a family,” highlighting how these late starts have made it easier for her two children to enjoy the event without the stress of an early school day. Despite working full time, she shared that her mother will look after her children until school begins. Similarly, Castle Hill Primary School in Basingstoke has also reportedly adopted a late opening policy following England’s evening matches during the tournament. However, not all parents agree with the approach; some have expressed disagreement on social media, suggesting children should still be ready for school regardless of late-night football.
England’s manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly encouraged schools to be flexible to allow children who want to stay up late to watch the game, stating simply, “let them watch.” Meanwhile, the government’s position remains less decisive. While pubs are permitted to stay open until 05:00 on match day, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized the importance of children being in school, even if the game is late. She remarked, “It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day,” while also noting she will not control school policies. Some schools, like Annfield Plain Infant School in County Durham, plan to keep registers open an hour later to accommodate late arrivals.
Not all schools are following the late-start approach. For example, St Patrick’s CE Primary Academy in Solihull plans to remain open at the usual time but will show the game’s highlights in class to their “World Cup mad” pupils. Headteacher Caroline Glennon said she understands why other schools might permit later arrivals but will assess arrangements as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, at Whipton Barton Federation primary school in Exeter, the day will include a non-uniform day and classroom viewing of the highlights after breakfast, according to deputy headteacher Alistair Wilson. Teachers across schools encouraging later starts advise students to get sufficient sleep beforehand to avoid extreme tiredness.
The debate on school attendance during such major sporting events continues, with some advocating common-sense leniency and others concerned about disruptions to learning, especially after recent school closures due to a heatwave. Back in Wolverhampton, Kelly Wall has noticed increasing positivity among parents, concluding, “It’s so rare that we get to have these special moments with the kids, because our lives are always so busy. Really, let the children join in, watch the game and let them have a bit of family time.
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