by Anna Roberts

aroberts@thekmgroup.co.uk

Pupils at a Maidstone secondary will finish early today so they can watch England play in the World Cup.

Students at Oakwood Park Grammar School will pack up their bags at 2pm instead of the usual 3.25pm so they can watch the England v Slovenia game at 3pm. They will have a shortened lunchbreak to make up for the time they are having off.

Head teacher Kevin Moody, who sent a letter to parents about the changes, said he had listened to pupils’ wishes.

He said: “I felt it was important to listen to our students but also ensure there was minimal disruption to lessons as our letter to parents and students stated.”

For other Maidstone secondary schools it will be business as usual.

A member of staff at Maidstone Grammar School for Boys said “We are not closing the school early.
“Lessons finish at 3.30pm. However, there will be a screen at the school so after 3.30pm boys can carry on watching the football until half-time.”

A member of staff at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School said: “The school will not be closing early. There was no discussion about it. It’s a football match.”

Meanwhile staff at Maplesden Noakes School said they did not believe pupils had been permitted to leave early.

A spokesman from Kent County Council promised council staff were not being offered the opportunity to take a shorter day.

He said: “We are flying the flag for England and we hope the team do well during the competition.

“However, we will not be closing down to watch the game at the expense of the taxpayer. We will continue delivering the vital services people expect and need.

“If Kent County Council staff wish to watch any of the games that take place, then they will need to make arrangements with their manager to sort out flexible working or time off.”

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