Whether England win or lose in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, many schoolchildren in England may have something to cheer about on Monday morning—more sleep. With the final scheduled for Sunday night and the possibility of extra time and penalties pushing the match finish time to around 11 p.m., schools across the country are adapting their Monday schedules to accommodate tired students.
Several primary schools have already announced plans to offer a more relaxed start time for pupils, recognizing that many children will be up late supporting their national team in what could be a historic match. The clash with Spain, a side brimming with talent including Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri and rising star Lamine Yamal, promises to be a thrilling, but late-night, affair.
Schools Offer Flexible Start Times
Woodlands Primary School in Hertfordshire took to social media to inform families that registration would be extended until 9:25 a.m. on Monday, July 15. In a tweet, the school acknowledged that many students would likely be staying up to watch the final and deserved a chance to enjoy the experience without being rushed the following morning.
Similarly, Bowburn Primary School in Durham communicated with parents to share their flexible attendance approach. According to a message cited by the Express, the school will allow children to arrive anytime before 10:30 a.m. without facing any consequences. “Being in the final is exceptional,” the school noted, “and we all deserve the chance to support our country if we wish.” The school has made arrangements to take lunch orders in advance on Friday to ensure smooth planning.
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West Park Academy in Darlington has taken a similar approach, reassuring families that no students will be marked late or penalized for arriving after the usual start time due to the late match.
No National Policy Yet
While a growing number of schools are adjusting their opening hours in response to the Euro final, the government has not issued a national directive. Instead, each school is left to decide independently how to handle Monday morning attendance.
Parents are encouraged to check directly with their child’s school for guidance on attendance expectations, as policies may vary across the country. Doing so will help avoid any confusion or potential issues with tardiness.
Regardless of Sunday night’s result, children across England can look forward to a slower start to the school day, and perhaps a bit of celebration or consolation after a thrilling night of football.
