Welland Park Academy Relaxes Start Time for England Game
Written by HFM News on 4th July 2026
Students at Welland Park Academy in Market Harborough will be able to start school later than usual on Monday following England’s overnight World Cup match against Mexico.
The game kicks off at 1am and, while the academy will be open as normal, pupils who stay up to watch the match can arrive any time before 10am without being marked late or receiving any sanctions.
Year 10 student Daniel told HFM he and his friends will be making the most of the later start:
Students at Welland Park Academy in Market Harborough will be able to start school later than usual
The academy says it has taken a pragmatic approach, allowing families to enjoy what promises to be a memorable sporting occasion while ensuring attendance and learning remain a priority.
In a message to parents, the school said it recognised many students would want to support England but stressed that school would operate as normal.
The statement said: “We recognise that many of our students will be keen to watch this exciting fixture and support the national team. As a school, we always look for sensible ways to balance opportunities such as this with our commitment to excellent attendance.
“School will be open as normal on Monday and we expect all students to attend. Attendance at school every day is vital to students’ education, progress and wellbeing. Every day counts.
“However, to support those students who choose to watch the match, we will allow a slightly later start to the school day. Students arriving before 10.00am will not be recorded as late or receive any sanctions.
“We hope this approach allows students and families to enjoy what promises to be a memorable sporting occasion, while ensuring that attendance and learning remain the priority.”
The move has also been backed by the National Education Union. Ahead of Monday’s match, general secretary Daniel Kebede described the World Cup fixture as “an important event in our calendar” and said it would be good if as many young people as possible were able to watch England play.
