Birmingham City Council has issued a firm statement regarding school attendance on Monday, July 6, following England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am. The authority expects all pupils to be at their desks and ready to learn, despite the early-morning kick-off time.
The council's stance comes after several schools across the Midlands announced delayed start times to accommodate the match. However, the council made clear that such leeway does not extend to allowing children to miss school entirely. In a brief statement, the council said: "We expect all schools to open as normal and for our children to be in school, so learning is not impacted."
Schools Offering Delayed Starts
Q3 Academy in Great Barr has told students to arrive at 10.45am on Monday, while Streetly Academy near Sutton Coldfield confirmed a 10.30am start. Plantsbrook School, also in Sutton, will open doors at 9.50am. Q3 Academy said the decision was made in the hope pupils would arrive "ready to learn and able to take part fully in lessons." Plantsbrook, in an email to parents, said it wanted to ensure students were "well-rested" and "ready to learn."
Tuchel's Plea Contradicted
England coach Thomas Tuchel had urged parents to let their children watch the match, saying: "Come on. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch. There will be a big, big match on in four days and we need the support of everyone, and especially of the children." Despite this plea, the council has maintained its position that normal school attendance is expected.
