MUM’S ANGER AT LESSON CHANGES

A MUM has told of her anger after her children’s lessons were cancelled so pupils could watch England thrash Iran in the World Cup.

The 42-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, was dismayed that her GCSE student daughter and her son would be missing ‘crucial’ teaching to tune into the match in Qatar which England won 6-2.

But Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy in Blurton has defended its decision, claiming half of pupils would have skipped school if the game wasn’t shown. It also insisted that lessons would be provided for pupils if that’s what they chose.

The mum, who lives in Blurton, said: “The school goes on about missing education all the time but then it’s pandering to the students that are threatening to be off school. It’s very wrong.

“My youngest loves school, loves going to classes, they don’t get it from me. My eldest is in Year 10 studying towards their GCSES. They know how important it is to get in every bit of education they can.

“If it was me, I would have watched the football as I hated school. The reason why I’m so annoyed is that my child isn’t into football.”

A spokesperson for the academy said: “Many of our students are avid football fans and are keen to show their support to the national team. Lessons will be taking place as usual for students whose parents have expressed that preference.”