England schools set for minimum week length in new rules

All schools in England will have to open for at least 32.5 hours a week, under government plans due to be published this week.

The length of the school day is currently decided by the headteacher with the governing body in England.

The rule – which starts next September – will hit the 14% of schools thought to be open fewer than 32 hours a week.

Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said he wanted “strong schools with great teachers for every child”.

Some 70% of schools are already open between 32 and 35 hours a week, with a further 9% open for longer.