Primary school pupils to have equal classroom time

Guernsey primary schools currently set their own timetables

Pupils at Guernsey's States-run primary schools will all have the same amount of time in the classroom from September.

The school day is being aligned - with five hours of learning, an hour for lunch and a fifteen minute break.

In a letter to parents seen by the BBC, the States' education office said the move would make learning consistent across the islands' schools.

It will mean changes to drop off and pick up times for some.

The change will come into force for the autumn term and affects all mainstream primary schools on the island.

Letters have been sent out to parents detailing how the change will affect start and end times at their school.

For some it will mean a move away from staggered pick ups at some schools, which have been used to help manage traffic issues.

'Congestion issues'

Primary schools currently set their own timetables, meaning some schools will need to make changes as a result of the new policy.

The changes will mean a "variance" between 08:30 and 09:00 for start times, and between 14:25 and 15:15 for finish times.

The change for most schools will be between five and 15 minutes, and only one bus time at a single school has been affected, the States said.

Kim Hutchison, head of primary leadership and development, said "it has been the schools themselves that have decided which is best for them".

She added: "The important part from an education equity perspective is that all our mainstream primary schools will operate a 6hr 15min day.

"Given that start and finish times will still be staggered we do not anticipate increased congestion issues, but each school headteacher will consider this and any measures they need to put in place."

The change follows a similar move for local secondary schools in 2022.