Penryn College students will spend an extra fifteen minutes at school each days when the new timetable takes effect after the summer holidays.

The college has released the new school-day times for the next academic year, with pupils expected to arrive at school five minutes earlier each day and leave ten minutes later.

These changes have been made with the intention of allowing students more time for English, maths and science whilst enabling them to continue to study music, drama, arts and technology to GCSE level.

The change follows a consultation from March to April this year, during which it received positive feedback from parents on the suggested changes.

Starting from September, the new school day will start at 8.40am, and end at 3.25pm. Lunch time will be the same length but will be from 1.10 pm to 2.05pm.

Marie Hunter, head teacher at Penryn College, said: “The decision to change the length of the school day at Penryn College has not been made lightly. We have undertaken a vast amount of planning, talked at length with teachers and parents, and considered a number of models, each of which had its advantages and disadvantages. “We are confident that this new format for the school day is the right one for the future. It enables young people to be able to continue to study all the subjects they enjoy to GCSE level, as well as providing time for a wide range of learning, independent study and recreational activities.”

The college said the extra time will also give pupils the chance to study independently in school, which should be a real benefit as they reach their final years and begin assessments. Time has been incorporated into the school day for pupils to complete part of their homework in a normal classroom style environment.

Matilda Fuller, deputy head girl, said: “I know that this extra time will be really helpful when it comes to my grades. I plan to use the extra time to do the work that I struggle with at home as I will have all the resources I need at school.”

The chair of governors, Henry Preston, said: “The college has been very innovative with its restructuring of the school day to give extra lessons each week in literacy and numeracy. The children’s learning has been extended and broadened but no other curriculum areas have been sacrificed.”

Judith Hann, Chair of the Parents Forum, added: “The school have explained very clearly the need to extend the school day and we as parents have been asked for our views; we overwhelmingly support this change.”