Delayed start to new school day & Strike Action

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following the recent consultation regarding the refreshed and extended school day model, I am writing to provide you with a specific update for Outwood Academy Hindley.

I am pleased to confirm that we are planning to implement the new school day from the beginning of the next academic year, commencing in January 2026. Whilst this is a slightly delayed implementation date, we have looked at the best date for our academy and believe that this will work well. The new school day will place a significant emphasis on our young peoples’ personal development, recognising and sharing your commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, equipped with the academic attainment and essential life skills that contribute to their future success.  For this reason, we remain committed to delivering a much improved personal development curriculum for all Outwood student

Under the new structure, the school day will commence at 8:30 am daily and conclude at 3:00 pm. 

We will provide you with further details regarding the specific content of our enhanced personal development curriculum and the detailed schedule of the new school day during the autumn term, prior to the January implementation. This will allow you ample time to understand the new structure and its implications for your child.

Industrial Action

Whilst we have been working diligently to ensure a smooth and effective transition to our adapted version of the new school day model, teaching unions have raised concerns over the potential associated workload linked to this extended day. Despite many months of discussions we have, as of yet, been unable to resolve these concerns to their satisfaction. Both the NASUWT and NEU have confirmed that, following a ballot, their colleagues will take strike action next term.

The initial strike action will take place on 3 June 2025 with additional strike action planned for the second and third weeks in June. 

Whilst we are disappointed that we have not been able to reach agreement, we acknowledge the right of union members to take industrial action. We continue to be committed to finding a way forward that addresses the points raised by employees.

We will make plans for the announced strike day(s) and communicate these to you as soon as they are finalised. We will do all that we can to minimise disruption to pupils' education, but with a majority of members taking action, some disruption will be unavoidable. All steps will be taken to ensure that this does not impact on our Year 11 students at this key time.

The purpose of this letter is to give you early notification of the potential for disruption and I will write again, later in the week, to confirm arrangements for 3 June in the first instance. 

I wish to give you my commitment as Principal to doing all that I can to seek a resolution to this action as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your continued support as we work collaboratively to enhance the educational opportunities for all students at Outwood Academy Hindley. We are excited about the positive impact this new school day model will have on their learning and development.

Yours faithfully

J Norman

Principal