Schools in Somerset are being urged to show flexibility with start times on Monday morning to accommodate pupils who want to stay up late for England’s World Cup round of 16 game against Mexico.
Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council’s Liberal Democrat partnership administration, suggested that schools consider beginning lessons at lunchtime or, at minimum, avoid penalizing students for arriving late. The match kicks off at 6pm local time on Sunday at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium — translating to 1am Monday in the UK.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Bell acknowledged the late hour: “That is admittedly a bit of a late kick-off for younger fans, but this is the World Cup, England are still in it, and moments like this are made to be shared.”
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He encouraged parents and carers in North Somerset to “suspend bedtime — just this once” so children and young people can cheer on the Three Lions. He also called on local schools to exercise flexibility on Monday morning—whether that means starting the day later, beginning lessons at lunchtime, or refraining from marking late arrivals as truancy.
“This is about letting children be part of a special national moment,” said Bell. “They should not have to miss out on England’s progress because of the fixture list and an overseas tournament with challenging time zones.”
Considering the game may last until 3am or later if extra time is needed, it remains the schools’ discretion whether to adjust schedules.
However, not everyone supports the proposal. Local schoolteacher Sophie Newton responded, calling the suggestion “deeply disappointing.” She stated: “Watching England is exciting and whether children stay up to watch is absolutely a decision for parents. However, schools should not be expected to adapt around sporting fixtures.”
“If we make exceptions for an England World Cup match, where do we draw the line?” Newton questioned. “Schools cannot operate with different rules depending on which event people consider important.”
Adding to the debate, England manager Thomas Tuchel urged parents to let kids watch the game, saying: “Write an excuse for school and let them watch. There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented: “It’s a late game but children can be in school the next day.”
Monday’s early morning kickoff promises to be England’s most challenging match yet, as the team faces a strong Mexican side undefeated in the tournament, before a passionate crowd of around 70,000 in Mexico City’s high altitude.