Which North West schools are helping pupils watch the World Cup?

Which schools will be helping pupils watch the World Cup?

Following on from the news that many pubs will now be staying open until 05:00 BST on Monday to allow football fans to watch England's World Cup clash with Mexico, several schools in the north-west of England are also relaxing the rules.

The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 01:00 and is not expected to finish until at least 03:00. It could be even later if the game goes to extra-time or even a dreaded penalty shoot-out.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to let their children stay up to watch the action, pointing out: "There's so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years - let them watch! We need the support of everyone, especially the children."

Some schools will have a later start, while others will open at the normal time but show a replay of the match instead of some lessons.

Lancashire

St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School in Blackburn will have a later 10:30 BST start and children can attend in their football kits.

Lowerhouse Junior School in Burnley will open as normal but said "we understand the tough choice: stay up late or miss the excitement?" so they have decided to open as normal but show the match on catch-up.

It will be a non-uniform day too with children encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue.

St Edward's RC Primary School and St Barnabas CE Primary Academy, both in Darwen, are also replaying the match.

Holy Trinity VC CE Primary School in Darwen said it will have a "soft start" on Monday with children still receiving a full registration mark up until 10:30 "to give children and families the opportunity to watch the game if they wish".

Greater Manchester

Headteachers at Bolton St Catherine's Academy, which operates both a secondary and primary school at its Stitch Mi Lane site in Harwood, say they wish to give families the chance to watch the overnight fixture together, so pupils in all year groups can arrive at 10:00.

Marcus Rashford's former school in Wythenshawe - Button Lane Primary School - will also show a replay of the match "to ensure children can all share the excitement".

Merseyside

Castleway Primary School in Moreton will also replay the match from 09:00 and are asking for children to "come in as normal and don't give us any spoilers" as the the result.

Lydiate Primary and Nursery School, meanwhile, is offering a later start time of 10:00.

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