In 2022, the requirement to publish school opening hours was introduced, yet many schools still miss this s school website requirement on their websites. While it may seem like a simple requirement, ensuring clarity on school hours is important for parents, carers, and staff.

This blog outlines what schools and academies must publish, why it matters, and best practices for displaying school opening hours clearly and effectively.

Why Publish School Opening Hours?

1. Compliance – Schools must publish their opening and closing times in an accessible format on their website.
2. Transparency – Parents and carers need to understand the structure of the school day and weekly teaching hours.
3. Ease of Access – Having clear school hours on your website reduces queries from parents and prospective families.

By displaying this information clearly and consistently, schools help parents plan ahead while meeting DfE guidance.

What Schools and Academies Must Publish?

Schools Must Clearly Display:

Official Start Time of the Compulsory School Day – The time pupils must be in school for morning registration.

Official End Time of the Compulsory School Day – The time the compulsory school day finishes (excluding after-school clubs or activities).

Total Time This Equates to in a Typical Week – Schools should provide the total weekly teaching hours, including breaks but excluding optional before and after-school activities.

How to Publish School Opening Hours Effectively

1. Create a Dedicated “School Day” or “Opening Hours” Page

1. Clearly label the page – Use a title such as “School Opening Hours” or “The School Day”.
2. Make it easy to find – Link it under “Key Information” or “Parent Information” in the navigation menu.

2. Present the Information in a Clear Table

A table format makes it easy for parents and visitors to see key timings at a glance.

Example Format:

School Day Information	Timing
Morning Registration	8:45 AM
School Day Ends	3:15 PM
Total Hours Per Week	32.5 hours

3. Include a Short Summary for Parents

A short explanation in plain language helps clarify how school hours are structured.

Example Statement:

“The compulsory school day at [School Name] starts at 8:45 AM and finishes at 3:15 PM. This totals 32.5 hours per week, including breaks. Optional breakfast clubs and after-school activities are available but are not included in this total.”

4. Highlight Additional School Hours for Clarity

If your school offers extended care options, make it clear that these are optional and not part of the compulsory school day.

Example:

Additional Services	Timings
Breakfast Club	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
After-School Club	3:15 PM – 5:30 PM

5. Ensure the Information is Consistently Updated

1. Review annually to ensure accuracy.
2. Check that opening times match what is listed in prospectuses, parent handbooks, and local authority listings.

Example of Best Practice for School Opening Hours

School Opening Hours – 2024

Download Our School Timetable (PDF)

At [School Name], we are committed to ensuring that all parents and carers have clear information about the school day. Below are our official school opening hours.

School Day Information	Timing
Morning Registration	8:45 AM
School Day Ends	3:15 PM
Total Hours Per Week	32.5 hours

Additional Information

Our breakfast club and after-school club provide wraparound care for families who need it. These are optional and not included in the total school hours.

Additional Services	Timings
Breakfast Club	7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
After-School Club	3:15 PM – 5:30 PM

If you have any questions about the school day, please contact [school office contact details].

Here is also a template to use as the downloadable file.

Next Steps for Schools and Academies

Ensure school opening hours are published clearly on your website.

Use a structured format with a table for clarity.

Regularly update the page to reflect any changes to the school day.

Clearly differentiate between compulsory school hours and wraparound care.

For further guidance, explore our School Website Requirements Guide or join our next free, online School Website Compliance Workshop.

By displaying school opening hours clearly, schools can ensure compliance while making key information easily accessible for parents and carers.