A COMMON secondary school day could be introduced in East Lothian in an effort to ensure pupils have equal access to education.

A study is being launched to examine how the six secondary schools could work together to ensure they all start and end at the same time and follow a common timetable.

A meeting of East Lothian Council’s cabinet heard that high schools had historically been given considerable autonomy in planning their school days and “curricular arrangements”. But this had resulted in “six different structures, length of the school day and different levels of access in terms of experience and opportunity”. And there was “significant variation” throughout East Lothian in the range of Advanced Higher and Higher courses offered and the number of qualifications available in S4.

The report, backed by councillors, said the feasibility study would aim to lead to the creation of “a common secondary school day and a common curricular structure”.

The move would also see a change in hours for primary schools to match the new secondary day, with proposals to extend P1 and P2 pupils’ week from 22.5 hours to the same 25 hours that their older school-mates follow. A failure to synchronise primary school start and finish times to match the high school changes would cost the council an estimated £190,000 in additional transport costs.

A public consultation will now be launched with the schools to establish the best standard timetable, with options for a 27, 32 or 33-period week. A 33-period week, for instance, could see secondary students’ first period of the day start at 8.30am, with a finish time of 3.40pm Monday to Thursday and 12.55pm on Fridays.

The council said a common school day would lead to joint delivery, mutual support, sharing of best practice and collaborative professional development opportunities, as well as meaning greater equity of resource and opportunity for young people across East Lothian and barriers to travel would be reduced.

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, cabinet spokesperson for education, said: “These proposals are all about improving inclusion, wellbeing and equality. We’re always keen to look for new ways of raising attainment and improving positive destinations for our children and young people.

“There are a number of potential practical benefits associated with such changes. It’s important that we listen to the views of staff, pupils, parents, carers and other stakeholders. That’s why I’m pleased cabinet has agreed that the council will hold a consultation and carry out a feasibility study. This will be launched in due course.”

Current school times: Dunbar Grammar School starts at 8.40am with a home time of 3.50pm Monday to Thursday and 12.30pm on Fridays; Preston Lodge High School starts at 8.40am and finishes at 3.40pm Monday to Thursday and 12.25pm on Fridays; Knox Academy is 8.44am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, finishing at 12.05pm on Fridays; Musselburgh Grammar School starts at 8.45am, finishing at 3.50pm and 12.30pm on Fridays; North Berwick High School starts at 8.39am and finishes at 3.50pm – noon on Fridays; Ross High School starts at 8.30am, finishing at 3.35pm – 11.55am on Fridays.