Birmingham schools are divided over how to handle the late England World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday, July 6. While some schools have decided to allow pupils to come in later, others are insisting on normal start times and even offering incentives for punctuality.
Match Confirmed for Early Monday Morning
Despite reports that the game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City might be rescheduled, it was confirmed that it would proceed as planned, with the match expected to finish around 3am or later if penalties are needed. This has prompted some schools to adjust their schedules to help families enjoy the occasion without disrupting learning.
Birmingham City Council stated on Friday that children were expected to be in school, saying: "We expect all schools to open as normal and for our children to be in school, so learning is not impacted."
Schools Opening Late in Birmingham
Quinton Church Primary School will keep registers open until 10:30am on Monday. Children arriving after 8:45am will be marked as present but late, while those arriving after 10:30am will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. The school's newsletter said: "We know that many of you, and perhaps your children too, will be cheering on England in the Men's Football World Cup during the early hours of Monday morning. Recognising that some children may wish to watch the match live or may have a later start to the day after an early wake up, we have decided to keep the registers open until 10:30am on Monday."
Q3 Academy in Great Barr has told students to arrive at 10:45am for a 10:50am tutor time start. A banner on the school's website read: "In recognition of the early World Cup kick-off of our national team on Monday 6 July, students should arrive at the later time of 10.45am for a 10.50am Tutor Time start. Come on England!" The school added: "We believe this later start will help students arrive rested, ready to learn, and able to take part fully in lessons, rather than struggling through the day tired."
Plantsbrook School in Sutton Coldfield will open at 9:50am, with pupils expected to be ready for second period at 10am. A Facebook post said: "As you may know, the England Men’s football team has progressed to a crucial match against Mexico, with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 AM on Monday morning. We recognise that many of our students will want to stay up to support the team during this major event. To ensure our students are well-rested and ready to learn, we will be operating a late start this Monday."
Schools in the Black Country
Hill Avenue Academy in Wolverhampton allows children to come at the usual time or arrive up until 10am. The school, which adopted a similar policy for previous late-night group stage games, said in a letter: "As we all know, England's next game kicks off at the rather late time of 1:00am on Monday morning! While we're sure all of our children will be tucked up in bed, we appreciate that many parents may be staying up to cheer on the Three Lions. With that in mind, we'll be keeping our registers open until 10:00am on Monday morning... just in case any of our parents have a little lie in after the match!"
Red Hall Primary School in Dudley said children won't receive a late mark up until 10:30am. The school wrote on Facebook: "We know that many of you will want to join in with supporting our England football team in the next stage of the World Cup. As we know that the match is scheduled in the early hours of Monday morning. We will have a flexible opening time up until 10.30am where you won't receive a late mark."
Parents are advised to check directly with their school if they are unsure about the arrangements.
