Here’s What You Need To Know About The New Homework Policy!
Why did we need a new Homework Policy?
Over the years, feedback from educators, parents, and students highlighted inconsistencies in expectations, workload, and the quality of tasks. The new policy brings clarity, equity, and a evidence-based approach that aligns with the National Education Strategy 2024-2030. It ensures homework supports learning without creating unnecessary pressure.
Is this policy reducing academic expectations?
Not at all. The policy aims to increase effectiveness, not reduce expectations. It ensures homework is meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with clear learning outcomes. Quality replaces quantity, and learning becomes deeper rather than repetitive.
Why is there no written homework in Year 1?
Early Years development depends on exploration, literacy routines, conversation, and play-based learning. Research shows traditional written tasks at this age have limited impact. Instead, the policy emphasises reading, hands-on activities, and real-life learning that strengthen foundational skills.
How will schools ensure that students are not overloaded with homework?
Each school is expected to coordinate across subjects. Heads of Department and SLT play a key role in timetable coordination, monitoring patterns, and addressing concerns. Homework overload is explicitly flagged as something to avoid, especially around weekends or holidays.
What do teachers need to do to follow the policy?
The policy offers guidance rather than rigid enforcement. School leadership teams provide professional oversight, ensuring consistency and supporting teachers through dialogue and planning. The aim is a developmental process.
Many parents want more homework because they feel it reflects learning. How do we address that?
Quantity does not equal quality. The policy emphasises homework that reinforces learning meaningfully. Teachers will provide rich tasks, not necessarily lengthy ones, and parents will be guided on how to recognise progress beyond written work.
How does the policy support learners with diverse needs?
Tasks must be age-appropriate, inclusive, and adaptable. Teachers may differentiate or provide alternative formats, and the emphasis is always on accessibility and student well-being.
Does this policy mean no homework during weekends?
It does not prohibit weekend homework, but it states that workload should not increase significantly over weekends or during holidays. The intention is to protect student well-being and balance.
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