Pupils at Bolton St Catherine's Academy (BSCA) will be allowed to arrive 90 minutes late on Monday, July 6, after England's early-morning World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico kicks off at 1am. The school, which serves around 1,020 pupils aged three to 16 across nursery, primary, and secondary phases, announced the delayed start in a letter to parents.
School Recognises Importance of Match
Secondary headteacher Ryan Mallett and primary headteacher Gareth Watson explained that while the school maintains 'high standards for attendance and punctuality,' they also 'recognise the importance of the opportunity for our pupils to watch the England match and celebrate with their families.' The match, which could extend to extra time and penalties, may not end until approximately 4am.
All year groups can arrive at 10am instead of the usual 8:35am start. Parents who need their child to attend at the normal time can still do so. The school advised pupils to use their usual entrances, with secondary phase gates on Newby Road opening from 9:45am.
Tuchel Encourages Viewing
The decision follows England manager Thomas Tuchel's comment that parents should 'write an excuse for school and let them watch' the World Cup. Tuchel made the remark after England's narrow 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday. 'There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,' he said.
Bolton St Catherine's Academy is located on Stitch Mi Lane in Harwood. The one-off change applies only to Monday, July 6.
