Headmaster of Sunningdale Tom Dawson: “We need to rethink the school day”

Tom Dawson

Education is at a crossroads. In schools across the UK, we are faced with increasing demands, limited resources, and a system that seems to be constantly shifting direction. Yet, amidst these challenges, one thing remains clear: we need to reimagine the structure of the school day to better serve our students, teachers, and society as a whole.

A Case for Extending the School Day

One of the most pressing issues in education today is time—or rather, the lack of it. Our students have packed schedules, and yet we struggle to fit in everything they need, both academically and beyond. I have long been fascinated by the idea of extending the school day, an approach trialled in Wales with promising results. If state schools finished at 4pm instead of 3pm, and that extra hour was dedicated to sport, music, or other extracurricular activities, it could be transformative.

At my school, we dedicate an hour and a half each day to sport. The benefits are tangible—better physical health, improved concentration, and higher levels of engagement in the classroom. Imagine if every student in the country had that opportunity. Not only would it give them access to activities they currently don’t have time for, but it would also support working parents, alleviating the pressure of what to do with their children after 3pm.

The Financial Barrier

Of course, any proposal to extend the school day raises a fundamental question: how do we pay for it? Schools are already struggling with funding, and additional hours would require more resources, staff, and infrastructure. The unions would undoubtedly have concerns, and the government would need to commit substantial investment. Yet, the long-term benefits—healthier, more engaged students, and a system that better accommodates modern family life—surely make it an idea worth exploring.

Contrast this with what is happening in some schools today. In my area, a local comprehensive has had to cut its school day down to 1pm due to budget constraints. While there are after-school activities, they are no substitute for a full academic day. If we are serious about raising educational standards and supporting families, we should be moving in the opposite direction—not reducing school hours, but making them more meaningful and effective.

The Role of Passion in Teaching

Another challenge we face in education is recruitment. There is always a shortage of good teachers, particularly in certain subjects. Teaching is not an easy profession—it requires long hours, dedication, and a genuine passion for helping young people. Yet, for all its challenges, it remains one of the most rewarding careers imaginable. A great teacher is not just someone who delivers a syllabus; they inspire, they ignite curiosity, and they equip students with the tools they need for life beyond school.

We need to do more to encourage the next generation to consider teaching as a viable and attractive career path. This starts with improving teacher training, providing better support, and ensuring that schools are environments where talented educators want to stay. If we don’t address this soon, we risk losing some of our best teachers to burnout or disillusionment.

Balancing Structure with Individuality

One of the things I value most about working in a small school is the flexibility it offers. Unlike in many larger institutions, we don’t rigidly separate students by year group. Instead, we use a ‘ladder system’ that allows boys to progress at their own pace, moving up as they develop individually. This approach fosters a more tailored education, ensuring that no child gets left behind.

Sadly, individuality is increasingly under threat in education. Schools, particularly in the state sector, face mounting regulations and standardised expectations that limit their ability to innovate. The system is bogged down by ever-changing policies, with each new education minister bringing a different set of priorities. What we lack is a long-term vision—a coherent, well-researched strategy that isn’t abandoned every few years in favour of the next political trend.

The Disconnect Between Policy and Reality

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the education system is the lack of consultation with those who actually work in schools. There are brilliant people in education—teachers, heads, support staff—who deeply understand what students need, yet they are rarely given a voice in shaping policy. Instead, we see sweeping changes implemented from the top down, often without a clear understanding of how they will play out in practice.

Rather than reacting to the latest fad, we need to step back and ask fundamental questions: What does a great school day look like? What skills should students leave school with? How can we create an education system that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and independence, rather than just focusing on exam results?

Moving Forward

At the heart of all this is a simple truth: education is about more than just academics. A school should not just be a place where students memorise facts and pass exams. It should be a place where they discover their passions, develop character, and gain the skills they need to navigate life beyond the classroom.

This is why I believe in finding a child’s ‘spark’—that one thing that truly excites them. Whether it’s science, music, sport, or drama, school should be a place where every student gets the chance to explore their interests. That’s why I would love to see more opportunities embedded within the school day—gardening, sustainability projects, creative workshops—things that enrich a child’s experience beyond the core curriculum.

We may not have all the answers yet, but what’s clear is that the current model is not working as well as it could be. It’s time to be bold, to rethink the school day, and to ensure that our education system truly serves the needs of students, teachers, and families alike.