Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
Schoolchildren

Schoolchildren 'more alert and attentive in the afternoon'

Date posted : 14 June 2017

Schoolchildren may be more alert, awake and ready to learn in the afternoon than they are in the morning, according to new research.

The study, conducted by the University of Oxford as part of the BBC Terrific Scientific educational campaign, analysed the sleep diaries of 900 children aged nine to 11, and discovered trends that challenged conventional wisdom about the best time to schedule lessons.

Sleep diaries covered three days on either side of the clocks going forward on March 26th, while a series of tests were also carried out to measure children's tiredness and reaction times in the morning and afternoon.

It was found that 68 per cent of participants described themselves as being more of an "evening type", with greater energy levels and higher alertness later in the day, meaning they tended to be sleepier in the morning than the afternoon.

The research also showed that sleep time for the children increased by an average of 30 minutes after the clock-change weekend, contradicting expectations that an hour's sleep would be lost. This was because pupils woke up ten minutes later on average in the morning after the clock change.

These findings may come as a surprise to many primary schools, which often arrange their timetables around the idea that children are more focused and alert in the morning, meaning maths and literacy lessons tend to be held early in the day.

Katharina Wulff, an Oxford University research lecturer who specialises in sleep, said: "Results were surprising in two ways - first, that children slept longer after the clock change; secondly, their reaction time was faster in the afternoon than in the morning.

"The investigation provides a great example of how schoolchildren can get directly involved in research, proving perceived public wisdom wrong."

List #1

Related posts

Black History Month: Classroom Resources and Ideas for Schools

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

ADHD Awareness Month: Ellen's Journey to a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

 As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi

Teaser

Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, the challenges she faced, and why awareness and understanding matter.

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026: Meet Our Winners

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,

Teaser

Following a record-breaking response to our NTAD awards, we're proud to reveal our Teaching Assistant of the Year 2026 winners and celebrate the incredible difference they make every day.

Read more
Welcome Back: Starting the New School Year with Confidence

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb

Teaser

Read more
What do the September 2026 supply staff changes mean for teachers and support staff?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Five things educators can do now to get ready for September

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

What the DfE Framework Means for Schools

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta

Teaser

Read more
Why summer is the perfect time to work in early years and nursery settings

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD06YY

Summary

When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Exam season: A guide for teaching assistants and support staff

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Looking for a permanent teaching role?

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

company logo
Search