DfE – Minimum expectation on the length of the school week

Boards need to be aware of the requirement on school week hours by September 2023.

The DfE guidance provides details on the expectation that state-funded mainstream schools should deliver a school week of at least 32.5 hours by September 2023. State-funded mainstream schools currently offering a school week of below 32.5 hours should work towards increasing their hours to provide at least 32.5 hours by September 2023 at the latest. Specialist settings, including alternative provision providers, should share the ambition to extend and enrich the school week.

The guidance is for leaders of schools and trusts, school staff, trust boards and governing bodies in all maintained schools, academies and free schools, special schools and alternative provision.

See the local DCC page for more about changes to the timings of the school day.