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Phil Brooke, headteacher of Alexandra Park Primary School in Stockport, Greater Manchester, says he wants everyone to “properly enjoy” the historic clash after such a difficult period under lockdown. He says parents have reacted positively to the decision, which will give families extra time in bed to recover on Monday morning.
If the Euro 2020 final goes into extra time, the match won’t finish until at least 10.15pm on Sunday. Should penalties be required, a winner won’t be decided until gone 10.30pm.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, dad-of-two Phil said: “My thinking is just that I want the children to have a great night and not have to worry about school in the morning. And I want the parents to have a great night too.
“I have two little girls myself and I know they need to go to school but, this way, everyone can just celebrate it and really enjoy it.
“If they can have a fantastic memory of the night, that’s the important thing.
“I’m like everyone else – I’ve only seen hardship for England and losses over the years. So I’ll be enjoying the game on Sunday as much as anyone.”
The school, rated as Outstanding by Ofsted in 2019, has been praised by parents.
One parent wrote: “Firstly thank you for Monday – I was dreading getting up early to do the school run! Come on England!”
Another parent said it was a “great idea” to have a late start, while another commented: “Great idea, hope the kids (and staff) manage to keep excitement at just the right level.”
Children will be able to head into school at the usual time of 8.40am for 9am if they wish.
But Phil – who admits to being a huge football fan – says his pupils deserve a great night after a difficult year under coronavirus restrictions.
The dad added: “Over the last 16 months it’s been really difficult but it’s also been really nice as it’s brought people together.
“We’ve tried to do a few things to make it easier for everyone. The children have not been able to go to birthday parties this last year so every month every child who has a birthday has a party in class. We have done as much as we can.
“This afternoon we’re going to buy them all an ice cream. They’ve all come in today in their football kits.
“In school on Monday, we’ll be doing fun activities linked to the football.”
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