The new education secretary has pledged to look at lengthening the school day.
Nadhim Zahawi told MPs there are some “excellent examples” that he will examine, before he urged all schools to ensure they move to the average school day length of 6.5 hours.
It has been suggested an extension to the school day will help children prosper after the coronavirus pandemic and catch-up lost learning.
Speaking at education questions, Mr Zahawi also said “there is no place for anti-vaxxers harassing or coming anywhere near school leaders” as he insisted the vaccine rollout for senior school pupils “continues at pace”.
Speaking in the Commons, Conservative MP Robert Halfon MP – who chairs the Education Select Committee – asked if the Secretary of State will continue to make the case for a longer school day.
Mr Halfon said: “We know from the Education Policy Institute that it increases educational attainment from two to three months, especially amongst disadvantaged pupils. We know that a longer school day, according to the department for culture, media, sports, increases numeracy by 29%. So, this increases educational attainment.
“Will he at least consider some pilot schemes in disadvantaged areas around the country where we can have a longer school day?”
Read more: Plans to extend the school day to be considered by Education Secretary
