School encourages children to arrive late following England Euros final

They can have a lie-in whatever the result

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery has written to parents telling them pupils can start late, encouraging them to watch England in the final against Spain.

The game kicks off at 8pm meaning it will be a late night for youngsters regardless of whether it goes to extra-time and penalties.

In a letter to parents the school said: “Due to the exceptional circumstances of an England final late on Sunday night, I am giving all children who wish to watch the football, permission to stay up late to cheer England on and bring it home. Come on England!”

They went on to explain that the school will be open from the usual time but with two registration times – 8.55am and 10am for those wishing to have a lie in.

The letter continued: “As long as the children arrive before 10am they will be registered as present for the morning session. Should the children watch the football, I think that it is best for the children to arrive having had a good night's sleep. Some parents may also need a little more time in the morning!”

Many parents praised the school for their flexibility. One mum whose eight-year-old son goes to the school said: "The school is amazing. They know a lot of children love the football, as they have an amazing football team of their own, so to see that they have decided to let the children sleep in after the final is so generous of them. They do lots of thoughtful things like this for the kids.”

Last year, its football team made up of year 5 and 6, won the Manchester United Premier League Stars competition to qualify for the national Premier League Primary Stars tournament.

At the time, Deputy head and PE lead, Anthony Lang said: "We were national finalists this year for the first time ever. We're only a one-form entry school so they did really well to qualify out of around 90 schools."

Following the Sale school’s announcement, a number of other school’s across the country followed suit. Many will still be open as usual to allow parents who need to get to work to drop off their children at the normal time but for those lucky enough to have time off work, it will be a welcome relief not to have to get the kids up early after such a late and (hopefully) historic night.