CORRIDORS and classrooms at Knox Academy could soon be quieter, with plans for school bells to be silenced throughout much of the school day.

Pupils and staff at the Haddington secondary school are being surveyed about the potential reduction in school bells.

An assembly took place on the topic, with a consultation on the issue finishing last Wednesday.

Sue Cook, Knox Academy headteacher, said: “School bells were put into place in schools around 150 years ago and schooling has changed a great deal since this time.

“A number of schools have moved to no bells/minimal bells to allow better time management (life skill), reduction in corridor movement via mass exits from classrooms on the sounding of the bell, and to reduce anxiety the sound of the bell causes for many young people with additional support needs.”

If the school’s plans are approved, the bells would be limited to the start of the day, end of break/lunch and end of the day.

The matter would be reviewed at the end of a month-long trial.