Want to try our resources? Sign up for our 14-Day Free Trial

Demo & Training
Business & Organisations
Terms & Conditions

Should lessons start later in the day?

02nd - 09th January 2025

Back to results

58961

Total votes

13826

5-11 votes

45135

11-16+ votes

For the first VoteTopic of the year, we asked young people to reflect on the efficacy of the current school day format and whether it reflects the needs of students. They explored research into the potential benefits and pitfalls of starting school later in the day and considered how it would effect them personally. Meanwhile, College and 16+ voters discussed the structure of the 9-5 working day and whether it needs to be updated to reflect modern life.

240322 - Stress and Play child

Age 5-11 voter

I could get more sleep and be more energetic for school if lessons started later.

240322 - Stress and Play teen

Age 11-16 voter

As long as we could finish at the same time, I would love to start later. I would use the time for exercise and working.

240322 - Stress and Play student

Age 16+ voter

If we start lessons later, then learning would be short and you won't get enough time to understand something.

58% of Primary pupils said their lessons should start later in the day.

  • Primary pupils were asked, "Should lessons start later in the day?"
  • Most were in favour and felt they would focus better if they had more time to prepare for the school day.
74% of Secondary students agreed, arguing that they would focus better at school if they had more time to sleep.

  • Secondary students also discussed, "Should lessons start later in the day?"
  • Three quarters were in favour, with many arguing they needed extra sleep.
  • Others said they had long commutes and would appreciate the extra travel time.
  • College and 16+ students were discussing changing up the traditional work day structure and the majority were in favour.
Many also value their after school activities and down time, so wouldn't want their school day to end later than usual to accommodate a later start.

  • Many 'Yes' and 'No' voters were concerned about the potential effect on their school's end time.
  • Some were only in favour of a later school start if they didn't need to finish any later to accommodate it.
  • Others said that this format would be detrimental to learning, as lessons wouldn't be long enough to fit all the content in.
results