'Fair compromise' on longer school day

Executive principal Mike Conn told parents that pupils will only have to stay longer two days a week instead of four.

Those who want to stay until 5pm Monday to Thursday can do so but others have the opportunity to work the shorter day.

Mr Conn took this decision, which comes into effect from September, in response to protests from parents that the longer day was too tiring for their children.

He told the Observer he was disappointed the new system had not “fully” fallen into place but was taking on board the views that had been expressed.

Mr Conn commented: “In the past I have been criticised for not listening but over the past few months we have been taking into account everything that has been said.

“Bexhill High is undergoing a great period of change, and massive progress is being made, but the governing body and I are keen to take the community with us on our journey. We are listening, hence some adjustments.”

Apart from fatigue among students, he also acknowledged that the third session, from 2.30-5pm, was not consistently good enough, but that this was being worked on, and added that while some parents approved a subject such as chess, others considered it a waste of time, so steps were being taken towards adding academic courses as well as extra-curricular activities.

He also took opportunity to warn parents about abusing the Opt Out system, which means youngsters are allowed out early for out-of-school activity. He said some were effectively allowing their children to truant and that this was a criminal offence which would be dealt with appropriately.

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