A SECONDARY school in Darlington is hoping to stave off the possibility of mass truancy during the World Cup by allowing pupils to watch England games in class.

Hummersknott School is also considering postponing lessons until after 10am on Wednesday, June 12, so pupils can watch the country's early morning fixture with Nigeria at home.

Headmaster David Henderson said: "I was at a conference in London this week and quite a lot of heads said they were going to go for a 10am start on that day. There are problems with things such as transport, but if Stagecoach can provide later transport, we may let some pupils come in at 10am.

"At the moment we are waiting to see what everyone's reaction is, what advice we get from the LEA and national politicians and what industry is going to do, before we make a decision.

"The question is whether it is reasonable to let them come in late or is education more important than something trivial like a football match - but then you run the risk of truancy."

The school has already organised a breakfast club from 7.30 so pupils can go in early to watch the match, and there are plans to shorten breaks and lengthen the school day to make up for any lost time.

England's other two games in the first group stage are on a Sunday and during the half-term holiday.

Should the team progress to the later rounds, and even to the final, all kick-off times would be 12.30 or at weekends.

Mr Henderson added: "The 12.30 starts are not a problem, as we will be able to show those games on TVs and projector screens around the school."