Millions of schoolchildren will get a lie-in on Monday as teachers open up schools late the morning after England's Euro 2020 final

Millions of schoolchildren will be allowed to come into school late on Monday morning as teachers point to England's Euro 2020 final clash against Italy as a 'learning opportunity'. 

Growing numbers of schools from all corners of the country, from London to Lancashire, are informing parents that children can arrive later than usual on Monday morning so they can watch England face off against Italy.

Several teachers have pointed to Sunday's final, England's biggest game in more than half a century, as an 'historic moment' and a 'learning opportunity' for schoolchildren. 

After more than 27million viewers tuned in to watch the Three Lions triumph over Denmark in the semi-finals, broadcasters are expecting a similar boom in figures for England's first major international final in 55 years.

As schools prepare for a later start, there has been a number of calls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give the nation an unexpected Bank Holiday boost should England lift the trophy on Sunday evening.

Flakefleet Primary School pupils appeared on BBC Breakfast and were praised by many viewers. They've been told they can come in later on Monday morning after Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy

The school, in Fleetwood, Lancs, dreamt up their own version of a popular football chant as a way to support the England team in Euro 2020 for all of their matches

Growing numbers of educational institutions in London, Leeds, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, County Durham, West Midlands, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Herefordshire, and Berkshire have said children don't have to arrive until 10.30am so they can stay up late to watch Sunday's 'cultural event'. 

Teachers are promising parents and pupils they won't miss any actual learning time should they arrive late on Monday.

The headteacher of Salcombe Primary School, Andy Pugsley, has told parents in the wealthy coastal town: 'School will start at 8:40am but children arriving up to 10:30 won't be marked as late, and they won't miss any lessons.'

Pupils at Ernesettle Community School, Plymouth, are pictured standing to spell out 'ENGLAND' ahead of the national teams appearance in the Euro 2020 final against Italy

Rossmere Primary School in Hartlepool told parents and carers in a Facebook post that the clash against Italy is 'a learning opportunity' for the children, saying: 'We would rather have children rested and in school ready to learn rather than absent all day or grumpy'

Flakefleet Primary School, in Fleetwood Lancs, also informed its pupils that they were extending registration times come Monday as the final against Italy is an 'historic day for our country and a cause for celebration'.

In a statement shared to Facebook, the school said: 'This Sunday, England play Italy in their first cup final since 1966 and it is a historic day for our country and a real cause for celebration.

'As the match is at 8pm and it will be a late finish, we will be extending registration time to 10.30am on Monday and children are welcome to get some extra sleep and come in a bit later.

'No lessons will be missed. Children have missed out on so many experiences over the last 18 months, we don't want them miss out on this one!' 

Rossmere Primary School in Hartlepool told parents and carers in a Facebook post that the clash against Italy is 'a learning opportunity' for the children, saying: 'We would rather have children rested and in school ready to learn rather than absent all day or grumpy'. 

Their social media post was shared more than 40,000 times and was widely praised online.

Headteacher Caroline Reed told Radio 4's Today programme: 'We do expect a lot of children to be in at around 9, but it gives them that bit longer.

'Teachers will be coming in at the usual time, but as they're not planning to start teaching at 9am, it does mean they can have a slightly more peaceful start to the morning.  

'They the are not going to miss any learning, we're going to make sure we have slightly shorter breaks.

'Primary school pupils have missed a lot of life experiences in the last 18 months due to Covid, so this gives them an experience they can share with their family, that they're sharing with the whole country.'

Flakefleet Primary School, in Fleetwood Lancs, also informed its pupils that they were extending registration times come Monday as the final against Italy is an 'historic day for our country and a cause for celebration'

But not everyone has thrown their support behind these schools' plans.

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted's chief inspector, told the BBC that she hopes pupils are still given a full day of teaching come Monday.

She said: 'If a school starts a bit later and finishes a bit later then that's something they are absolutely entitled to do if it works for their parent group,' she said.

'But at the end of the day, I don't want to see children missing out on education. Let's hope we can enjoy a great football game on Sunday without losing children's education in the process.'

Schools won't be the only places in England opening up late on Monday, with Iceland and Lidl informing customers their opening hours will also be delayed.

No10 yesterday hinted at a prospective Bank Holiday to celebrate if England win their titanic Euros final - with Sir Keir Starmer also backing the plan.